First East Coast
 | |
| Franchise(s) | Open-access operator Not subject to franchising |
|---|---|
| Stations operated | 5 |
| Parent company | FirstGroup |
East Coast Trains[1] is a future open access operator in England owned by FirstGroup. It proposes to operate services between London King's Cross and Edinburgh via the East Coast Main Line. It has a 10 track-access agreement from May 2021.
History
In 2015, the Office of Rail and Road called for expressions of interest for open access operators to bid for extra paths on the East Coast Main Line. In May 2016, FirstGroup were granted a 10 track-access agreement from May 2021.[2][3][4]
Services
East Coast Trains will operate five services a day between London King's Cross and Edinburgh calling at Stevenage, Newcastle and Morpeth.[4]
Rolling stock
East Coast Trains will procure a fleet of five all economy class 125mph electric multiple units.[4]
References
- ^ Companies House extract company no 8765536 East Coast Trains Limited
- ^ Applications for the East Coast Main Line Office of Rail and Road 12 May 2016
- ^ First Group to run Edinburgh to London budget rail service BBC News 12 May 2016
- ^ a b c VTEC and FirstGroup granted East Coast Main Line paths Railway Gazette International 12 May 2016
