National Express win ECML franchise
 

At least this means that Virgin will not be involved in both Anglo-Scottish routes. I wonder what will be used to run the Lincoln-London services - class 67 and Mk 3's maybe?

More than likely.
In the National Express press release it says:
"Additional services will be operated on rolling stock previously used on the West Coast Main Line"
Perhaps they will use Class 87's for the York trains:D
They also intend to introduce "A new ticketing system that matches demand to capacity and offer customers a simplified fares structure, giving them the best possible value fares"
I would be more impressed if they were able to match capacity to demand.:rolleyes:

East Coast Franchise
 

Hi...I have been watching this auction with interest.
1...Because originally from Peterborough
2...Work for a company that has lost a big contract today ,on change of company.
To be honest Bowker was aiming for this route all along,its the big one.Not getting greater midland main line was not the worst thing to happen,as it could have meant problems getting ECML/GNER.
Back in Feb this year it was the betting that First/Arriva and Virgin had very little chance,against the man who knew which buttons to push to get the franchise.
Note the amount they are due to pay back over life of franchise is £100.00m more than GNER's !!.
I will watch with interest.?
Richard

the word is that 90's will be used possibly for the stopping service to York. With the Hull service operated by GNER to go in 2008 that will release a HST. Although in the meantime it could possibly mean 67's with mk3 stock. EWS do have a number of stored class 90's