19.07.13
DfT should ‘let market decide’ on East Coast – Eversholt
Eversholt Rail has criticised the DfT for ‘prescribing’ IEP rolling stock for the East Coast Mainline, and argued that Mk4 carriages would have been a better choice.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin confirmed the £1.2bn contract yesterday.
Agility Trains, the consortium formed to deliver the IEP, welcomed the commitment. Chief executive officer Martin Garrett said: “Agility Trains is delighted by the Secretary of State’s further commitment to the IEP, which will represent a step change in train performance and passenger experience on the East Coast Main Line.”
And Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland said: “Clearly new jobs in an area suffering from high unemployment is really good news…We welcome the present government's decision to proceed but it comes after delays and a total shambles because of the decision not to award the Thameslink contract to Bombardier.”
But Eversholt Rail criticised the decision, stating that Mk4 carriages would have been a cheaper option.
A statement from the company said: “Eversholt Rail is disappointed that the Department for Transport has decided to proceed with IEP Phase 2 and prescribe what rolling stock will be used on the new East Coast Mainline franchise. We continue to believe that the best option would have been to let the market decide.
“On that basis we put forward a very compelling proposition to modernise the existing IC225 fleet with refurbished Mk IV carriages and new traction systems. This would have offered substantial cost savings, greatly improved levels of comfort and service for East Coast passengers and state-of-the-art on-board technology.
“We believe that refurbished Mk IV rolling stock remains an attractive option when other rail franchises are re-let, including Midland Mainline and Greater Anglia, and we look forward to discussing our offer with potential bidders in due course.”
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