East Coast: achievements

No time has been wasted in delivering new plans and investment for East Coast. Under the guidance of Directly Operated Railways, East Coast:

• Delivered on its commitment to the Government with a seamless transfer to public ownership
• Worked closely with East Coast to improve the management group - and development of a more visible leadership team
• Introduced the biggest timetable change in 20 years with 19 additional services each weekday
• With an investment of £12 million, launched major improvements in First Class, including a complimentary at-seat food and drink service, a new quiet coach in First Class, and a £0.6 million investment in the on-board Wi-Fi
• Subsequently increased passenger numbers by almost a third in First Class
• Restored the Flying Scotsman, a 4-hour flagship express service between Edinburgh and London
• Provided a half-hourly service between Leeds and London, including a two-hour early morning express service from Leeds
• Introduced the first direct service on the East Coast route between Lincoln & London in twenty years
• Introduced a seven day per week return service between London and Harrogate
• Launched two new high-profile marketing campaigns
• Made other new investments of £17 million in stations, trains, depots, technology - and people
• Created more than 80 new jobs linked to the new timetable and on-board complimentary offer
• Achieved the best ever miles per casualty results for its fleet since records began 11 years ago
• Significantly improved staff morale