GNER secures East Coast Mainline

Train operator GNER has beaten-off stiff competition to secure the intercity East Coast Mainline contract for another seven to ten years.

GNER’s bid was chosen above offers from rival operators Virgin, FirstGroup and the Danish rail company DSB in what the Strategic Rail Authority has called the largest railway concession in European history.

It is estimated that GNER will pay around £1.3 billion to the Government over the life of the contract – a sum that has sparked concern about potential job cuts and fare rises.

GNER has been operating the line, which transports over 15 million passengers annually, since 1996.