Branson to bid for East Coast line
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Virgin Trains, the company running one of Britain's least reliable rail services, declared yesterday it was to bid for the main East Coast franchise with a plan to make big reductions in journey times.
Virgin Trains, the company running one of Britain's least reliable rail services, declared yesterday it was to bid for the main East Coast franchise with a plan to make big reductions in journey times.
Virgin, which runs the West Coast services between London and Scotland, said it would introduce 140mph trains much sooner than the present East Coast operator. Richard Branson, the chairman, said his firm could cut the time from London to Newcastle from 2hr 50min to 2hr 15min; London to Edinburgh from 4hr 10min to 3hr 30min and London to Aberdeen from 7hr to 5hr 30min.
Asked whether the bid was simply shadow boxing between him and James Sherwood, the chief executive of Sea Containers, which owns the Great North Eastern Railway, Mr Branson said: "I've never been more serious."
Meanwhile, Railtrack confirmed that it would announce today its decision to abandon state-of-the-art signalling systems on the West Coast route until they were proved to be more reliable.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments