So farewell then, East Coast Trains
Two previous operators having handed back the keys, the East Coast main line was run by the public sector from 2009 until March 2015. Now private enterprise has been given another chance. The new operator is basically Stagecoach, but with a 10% Virgin holding. Will they last as long as the others....?
For some reason it is now being marketed as 'Virgin East Coast'. Personally I'd be MUCH happier if it was Stagecoach East Coast. I don't like the idea that all daytime trains between London and Scotland will be branded with the vulgar and naff Virgin identity. Am I really the only person to find Branson and his dubious empire sleazy and unpleasant? I sincerely hope that the outrageous Virgin west coast 'anytime' fares don't spread to the east coast now they have a monopoly.
Meanwhile not all trains have been given the vulgar Virgin branding. 91 002 on the right at London Kings Cross has the decency to keep its Virgin name largely hidden.
July 2018: All history now! No, they didn't last as long as the others. Their bid was ludicrously over ambitious (as was obvious to everyone except apparently HM Government) and they have had the franchise taken off them. Good riddance.
So farewell then, East Coast Trains
Two previous operators having handed back the keys, the East Coast main line was run by the public sector from 2009 until March 2015. Now private enterprise has been given another chance. The new operator is basically Stagecoach, but with a 10% Virgin holding. Will they last as long as the others....?
For some reason it is now being marketed as 'Virgin East Coast'. Personally I'd be MUCH happier if it was Stagecoach East Coast. I don't like the idea that all daytime trains between London and Scotland will be branded with the vulgar and naff Virgin identity. Am I really the only person to find Branson and his dubious empire sleazy and unpleasant? I sincerely hope that the outrageous Virgin west coast 'anytime' fares don't spread to the east coast now they have a monopoly.
Meanwhile not all trains have been given the vulgar Virgin branding. 91 002 on the right at London Kings Cross has the decency to keep its Virgin name largely hidden.
July 2018: All history now! No, they didn't last as long as the others. Their bid was ludicrously over ambitious (as was obvious to everyone except apparently HM Government) and they have had the franchise taken off them. Good riddance.