East Coast franchise starts – Passenger Focus response

25 October 2013

Today the Department for Transport announced that the East Coast franchise competition has started. 

Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Passenger Focus, said:

“We will be watching this closely on behalf of passengers. We are pleased to contribute to the process, strongly advocating that passengers must be put at the heart of all contracts and kept informed on how well the train operator is performing.

“It has never been more important that companies are publicly held to account for their passenger satisfaction ratings – these must be built into the very heart of the contract. However it is good to see the franchise process moving ahead again and unlocking much-needed investment.”

– Ends

Media contact
Until Monday 28 October, Passenger Focus press office is available on 07918 626 045.

Notes to editors
You can view the most recent rail National Passenger Survey here or explore the satisfaction ratings for the East Coast over the last few years here.