East Coast franchise discussion (Previously: Rumour VT/Stagecoach to win)

[jon0844]

To be fair the last time he did have a point!

I suspect that as long as the DfT haven't dropped any clangers (and I would imagine if there is even a single brain cell in the DfT this will be watertight) he will express disappointment and leave it at that.

I think he'll actually say nothing at all, although the media may well seek a comment just because it will make for good copy.

While common sense that Virgin's stake (however small) would have meant Virgin branding on the route, Virgin wasn't already operating it so it hasn't 'lost' in the same way.

 

[Masboroughlad]

Late Look North has just been on. They said a decision in the morning - mentioned all three bids and no sniff of a favourite!

 

[westv]

I wonder if the new franchise will have a new website. If so I assume we'll wait and see what we need to do to make sure we don't lose any saved orders come March.

 

[GrimsbyPacer]

Late Look North has just been on. They said a decision in the morning - mentioned all three bids and no sniff of a favourite!

There's three Look North's. It was the North East and Cumbria version which mentioned favourites judging fron the poster's location. The Look North's for Lincs, Yorks and Humberside are different.

 

[ainsworth74]

Sorry I forget there are some other Look 'Norths' mascaraing about the place. The proper Look North (i.e. North East and Cumbria) was the version I was reporting on. Should have clarified that at the beginning

 

[westv]

There's three Look North's. It was the North East and Cumbria version which mentioned favourites judging fron the poster's location. The Look North's for Lincs, Yorks and Humberside are different.

Humberside? Never heard of it.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Apparently, it will be tomorrow - according to a member of EC staff at Newcastle.

Hmmm. I seem to recall that yesterday (Tuesday) I was telling some "members of East Coast staff at Newcastle" to expect the news on Thursday.

Could this just be a carrousel?

 

[Masboroughlad]

It gets to the stage where it becomes tedious waiting for a decision! It is almost becoming a bit of a media spectacle. Maybe an X Factor approach would be more appropriate....

'Virgin, Stagecoach - well you certainly look good. Your image is appealing and you put on a good show, but can you deliver longer term?'

'First - I have seen it all before. The public like you, but you lack that sparkle. Yes you can run buses, your efforts on FGW are commendable, but could you shine under the East Coast spotlight?'

'Eurostar - well you are the darkhorse. Maybe you can bring some continental spark to our railways?'

Over to you Louis...... DEADLOCK - let the DfT decide!

We all just need a well run, national network that serves the country.... (of which East Coast is a part). No more show and hyped up competition please.

 

[och aye]

Eurostar/Keolis are favourites to win according to The Scotsman!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/faster-journeys-for-new-east-coast-rail-franchise-1-3616950

 

[GrimsbyPacer]

Humberside? Never heard of it.

The BBC Look North in my area uses the BBC radio Humberside buildings in Grimsby and Hull (it was called so before county was made). And covers both banks of the Humber. I just used the name as it best describes the coverage. This Look North is also picked up in Norfolk.
It didn't mention rail in my area.

 

[Jonny]

Late Look North has just been on. They said a decision in the morning - mentioned all three bids and no sniff of a favourite!

The "early" (6.30pm) Newcastle Edition was leaning towards Keolis/E*

 

[CockneySparrow]

The BBC Look North in my area uses the BBC radio Humberside buildings in Grimsby and Hull (it was called so before county was made). And covers both banks of the Humber. I just used the name as it best describes the coverage. This Look North is also picked up in Norfolk.
It didn't mention rail in my area.

North Norkfolk I believe, Hunstanton and Kings Lynn can pick it up, depends on which way your ariel is facing, Belmont (Lincs) has a powerful output

Suppose with Hunstanton being 15 miles away from Skegness its understandable

 

[Mike395]

Please continue discussion in this thread. Relevant post-decision posts from here will be merged shortly.