New Essex franchise ‘won’t hurt rail commuters’ (From Echo)

New Essex franchise ‘won’t hurt rail commuters’

7:40am Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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TRANSPORT Secretary Lord Adonis assured passengers they will not lose out when National Express is stripped of its East Anglia franchise next year.

Passengers using the Southend to London Liverpool Street service had expressed fears the decision to remove the firm’s franchise three years early would lead to a period of instability.

The Government decided to strip National Express of its East Anglia franchise early, after the firm racked up debts of £1.4billion on its East Coast mainline service between London and Scotland.

However, Lord Adonis reassured Essex commuters they would not be punished for the firm’s mistakes on another line.

He was speaking at a Labour Party dinner at the Fisherman’s Wharf, in Southend, to support grassroots activists ahead of the General Election.

He said: “We’re very anxious to get the best continuity between the old and the new franchises.

“There are very stringent requirements on National Express to maintain the quality of service, and I’m confident we can get a good deal for passengers and a good deal for taxpayers.

“The contracts remain in place and National Express is required to fulfil them. There are very robust penalty clauses if the services aren’t maintained.”

Lord Adonis would not be drawn on whether National Express would also lose its high-performing c2c franchise. The Shoebury to London Fenchurch Street service will also have its franchise renewed in 2011, but Lord Adonis would not comment on whether National Express would have its current contract renewed. C2c is one of the best-running lines in the country.

Southend MP James Duddridge had called on the Government to allow its management to continue, whichever firm wins the new franchise.

However, Lord Adonis said this idea was a non-starter.

He said: “The staff’s jobs are protected, as for managers, that’s a matter for the new operator.

“The managers of both franchises are committed to maintaining quality and although the operator will change in all likelihood, the staff are doing a thoroughly professional job.”