East Coast discusses Future Plans for Franchise
Last week, the Chamber took part in an online forum with key decision makers from train operator East Coast where we asked questions regarding their investment plans and the future of the franchise on behalf of our members.
A Chamber patron, East Coast confirmed that they are working with the travel industry to look at ways forallbusinesses to benefit from their Rewards scheme, which is currently only available to business travellers who book through their website. They are hoping to rectify this by making it available to business travellers booking tickets through their company's travel agency. Improvements to their first class offering and WiFi is also currently under review.
To alleviate the number of delays, East Coast is working in partnership with Network rail to secure investment to improve the rail infrastructure. For example, the upgrade to the Hitchin Flyover in 2013 will take lines to Cambridge over the East Coast Main Line increasing capacity, while the Doncaster North Flyover at the end of 2013 will provide freight trains with an extra route to power stations without impacting East Coast passenger services.
With 2,800 staff, East Coast has a clear plan to develop its workforce and has reintroduced apprenticeship and graduate schemes and undertaken a customer service training programme for their frontline staff.
The current franchise operated by East Coast is planned to run until December 2013 and it is expected that the procurement process for a new franchise holder will start 12 months in advance of the contracting ending (Dec 2012).
For more information visit www.eastcoast.co.uk
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