Aberdeen must not lose out in new rail franchise - Bruce

5.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 14th Aug 2007

National Express is taking over the East Coast rail franchise from GNER

Following the announcement that National Express has won the main London to Scotland rail franchise, Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce has reminded the company of its commitment to maintain rail links to the North East.

Mr Bruce had sought assurances from the government that whoever won the contract would maintain services to Aberdeen, and not just focus on the London to Edinburgh link, as documentation had suggested. National Express fought off a joint bid from Virgin Trains, Stagecoach and GNER to win the franchise, which will be known as the National Express East Coast line.

Commenting, Mr Bruce said:

"GNER ran a good franchise and the contract was only put out to tender last year after their US parent company ran into financial difficulties. They set a good standard which I sincerely hope will be maintained, if not improved upon, by National Express.

"It is essential for the North East that mainline rail services to Aberdeen do not suffer as a result of the new contract. I will continue to press the government to ensure that the region has the rail network it deserves, not just in terms of cross-border links but also improved local services."