East coast rail firm on track
Directly Operated Railways, which took over the franchise from National Express in 2009, said operating profits for the year to 31 March rose 7 per cent to £7.1 million, on turnover 3.1 per cent higher at £665.8m. First-class passenger numbers were up 21 per cent.
Chairman Doug Sutherland said East Coast, which runs trains between Scotland and London, is expected to transfer to a private operator in 2013, “maximising the value of the franchise achieved by the government and the taxpayer”. He said: “Our assets have been worked harder and a solid financial performance has been achieved in a challenging environment.”