LNER returns
It’s ‘business as usual’ as London North Eastern Railway takes over from Virgin Trains East Coast.
LONDON North Eastern Railway Managing Director David Horne has declared that it is “business as usual” on the East Coast Main Line, following the transfer of services to the new operator from the now-defunct Virgin Trains East Coast on June 24.
The first LNER-branded train left King’s Cross for Edinburgh at 0754 the next day, marking the return to the network of the iconic company name for the first time since nationalisation of the railways in 1948.
Synonymous with the highspeed exploits of famous steam locomotives including Flying Scotsman and Mallard, the latest incarnation of LNER will embody the same ethos of offering higher standards of customer service and improved connectivity, said Horne.
This will begin with the introduction later this year of a fleet of 65 new Intercity Express Programme Azuma trains that are currently on order from Hitachi.
Horne confirmed to RAIL that the first Azuma will enter service as originally planned by VTEC, in December on the King’s CrossLeeds route. LNER has also retained VTEC’s timetable uplift and station upgrade plans.
He said: “LNER is an iconic brand for this route and the regions it serves. People associate great things with the brand from a historical point of view, and it symbolises a great time for the ECML. It was also a company that was pushing the boundaries in speed and comfort, which is exactly what we’re going to be about going forward with the new trains.
“We’re still working to the same plan for the new trains, and Hitachi tells us that we will get the first one delivered in November. We have started driver training and everything is geared towards [entry into service in] December.
“We’re also looking to deliver the same timetable plans with Azuma trains that we have been working
on for several years, and in May 2019 we will launch the first of those additional services.”
Horne added that passengers could expect no change to scheduled services in the wake of the transition, while all existing tickets and VTEC customer accounts are still valid.
All VTEC staff have also transferred to LNER. Horne believes this will lead to minimal disruption for passengers in the next few weeks, with any issues quickly resolved.
LNER is due to operate services until 2020, when a new public/ private partnership will be established to run train operations and manage rail infrastructure under a single management team.
“Our message to customers, employees and everyone who depends on this service is that it is business as usual,” stated Horne.
“The change came about at quite short notice, so the view I take is that stability and continuity is really important for customers and enables us to stay focused on delivering the great service that they are used to.
“Once we get through the transition to LNER that has happened in quite a short space of time, and once we’ve had chance to draw breath, we can concentrate on preparing ground for the East Coast Partnership with colleagues from NR to create a great partnership between the public and private sectors.”