The successful bidder for east coast intercity rail services promised new trains, faster journey times, better connections and better value fares.
Perth-based Stagecoach Group said its joint-venture with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group – InterCity East Coast – would invest more than £140million in “delivering an improved service and a more personalised travel experience for passengers”.
More than £25million is to be spent on station improvements and extra car parking and cycle facilities.
A total of 65 new “super express” trains will be introduced from 2018, with the existing fleet undergoing a multi-million-pound “train refresh programme” before then.
Other pledges include extra and new direct services to London from key locations in Scotland and England, with more weekend services.
InterCity East Coast aims to deliver a 50% increase in capacity by 2020, thanks to 12,200 more seats.
A 10% cut in “standard anytime” fares on long-distance journeys to and from London and Stevenage is promised, with the new operator also offering touchscreen information points at major stations, portable technology for staff and free WiFi on trains and at stations.
At-seat food ordering, simpler ticket purchasing and reservations, Nectar card loyalty points and a customers’ charter are among other parts of the winning package.
Plans for a “fresh approach” to recruitment and training include new apprenticeships, graduate and ex-offernders pogrammes and a National Academy for Rail Professional Education, with bases in York, Derby and London.
Staff will be given a chance to own a share of the business through employee share incentive arrangements.
Stagecoach chief executive Martin Griffiths said: “Passengers using the east coast mainline will benefit from hundreds of millions of pounds of infrastructure investment and service improvements over the next decade.
“Together with Virgin, our innovative plans will give customers new services, faster and more frequent trains, and easier, more personalised journeys.
“We will be investing in the committed east coast people who will be joining our team, as well as delivering major programmes to help young people, communities and small businesses along one of Britain’s most important routes.
“We will match world-class customer service by giving a big boost to taxpayers with increased payments to government.”
Virgin Group senior partner Patrick McCall said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to run the east coast franchise.
“Our long term partnership with Stagecoach has seen a revolution in customer service standards, great product innovation, reduced journey times and improved timetables on the west coast mainline.
“We plan to deliver similar success on the east coast and are looking forward to working with the team there to build on their achievements.”
Mr McCall added: “Our partnership will concentrate on areas for which Virgin is famous, such as looking after our customers and our people.
“We have a great opportunity to blend the successes of the east coast and the west coast lines to create a great experience for all.”