Embattled GNER is to receive two extra High Speed Trains (HST), providing a further 1.6m annual seats.
The train operator was recently the subject of controversy concerning its ”1.3bn ($3.12bn) east coast contract with the Department for Transport and has not made the four-strong short list to run the franchise from Autumn next year.
That hasn”t stopped the company, however, from securing the two extra trains at a cost of ”20m ($39m) from Porterbrook Leasing, for use on the six daily services in each direction from London Kings Cross to Leeds. The journey will additionally involve stops at some or all of; Wakefield, Doncaster, Newark North Gate, Grantham, Peterborough and Stevenage.
GNER operations director Richard McClean said: ”The HSTs are in excellent condition and will receive new interiors and new engines by March 2009, by which time GNER”s tow types of train ” electric 225s and diesel 125s ” will have very similar, high standard interiors”.
The other four short-listed candidates for the Intercity East Coast franchise are; Arriva Trains East Coast, First London Scottish and North East Railways, inner city ” railways (a 50:50 joint venture between Stagecoach and Virgin Group), and National Express Group-owned NXEC Trains.