East Coast Rail franchise

And now an email to stakeholders

Sent on behalf of Susan Goldsmith, Managing Director, National Express East Coast
Dear Stakeholder,

EAST COAST RAIL FRANCHISE

Following this week's announcements about the East Coast rail franchise, I am writing to assure you that National Express remains committed to ensuring that high standards of service are maintained and that any transfer to public ownership is conducted in an orderly and professional manner.

Contrary to some media reports, the Department for Transport has not nationalised the East Coast railway, nor has National Express been stripped of its franchise.

However, we have indicated to the Government that if current poor trading conditions prevail, due to the recession, the financial support available to National Express East Coast (NXEC) from its parent company, National Express Group plc, under the franchise agreement, will be exhausted by the end of 2009. In those circumstances, the East Coast railway will be transferred to public ownership. The Government has stated that it intends to tender for a new East Coast franchise operator from the end of 2010.Importantly, both National Express and the Government have confirmed that customers are unaffected by this week's announcements. It is business as usual for NXEC passengers, with services continuing to be run according to the published timetable, and tickets sold and honoured in the normal way.

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Alan Hyde, NXEC's Head of Communications, at alan.hyde@nationalexpress.com or tel 0845 059 3155.

Yours sincerely
Susan Goldsmith
Managing Director
National Express East Coast
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