InterCity East Coast
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| Current operator | Virgin Trains East Coast |
|---|---|
| Main Route(s) | East Coast Main Line |
| Franchise dates | 28 Apr 96 - 8 Dec 2007 9 Dec 2007 - 13 Nov 2009 14 Nov 2009 - 28 Feb 2015 1 Mar 2015 - 31 Mar 2023 |
| Fleet size | 14 High Speed Train 31 InterCity 225 |
| Stations called at | 53 |
| Technical | |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
InterCity East Coast is a railway franchise for passenger trains on the East Coast Main Line in the United Kingdom from London King's Cross to Hull, Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen. It was formed during the privatisation of British Rail and transferred to the private sector in April 1996.
Initially operated by Great North Eastern Railway (GNER), it has since been operated by National Express East Coast and East Coast, and is now operated by Virgin Trains East Coast.
In April 1996, Sea Containers operating under the GNER brand, commenced a seven-year contract to operate the franchise.
In March 2000, the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority shortlisted Sea Containers and Virgin Rail Group to bid for the next franchise. The franchise was to be for 20 years and included proposals for new trains and replacements of sections of track. In January 2002, the Strategic Rail Authority scrapped the refranchising process and awarded a two-year extension to Sea Containers until April 2005.
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