Graham Stuart Welcomes East Coast Franchise Announcement

Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart has welcomed the announcement today that the InterCity East Coast Franchise has been awarded to Inter City Railways Limited.

This is a joint venture between Stagecoach, (who own a 49% stake in Virgin Rail Group) and Virgin that will operate under the brand ‘Virgin East Coast’.

Commenting on the announcement Graham said, “This eight year franchise should bring improvements for passengers in East Yorkshire with more trains, better fares; more frequent, faster services; and services to new destinations.

This is good news for East Yorkshire and I will be working hard with colleagues to ensure the promises are kept.

“I’m pleased to hear the new trains will be assembled in County Durham creating more jobs for the north, and that there is heavy emphasis on investment in staff, offering new apprenticeships, a graduate training programme and a national academy for rail professional qualifications.”

“Today’s announcement, together with HS3 and investment in the electrification of the Selby to Hull railway line means East Yorkshire can look forward to vastly improved rail links in future.”

“There’s also good news for road users with £160 million investment proposed for Castle Street in Hull, £16.3 million towards Beverley’s Southern Relief Road and the recent £7.7 million upgrade to the A164 from the Humber Bridge to Beverley.”

Subject to contract signature, following a voluntary ‘standstill’ period, Stagecoach/Virgin will begin operations on 1st March 2015 and run until 31st March 2023.