Rail fares set to rise by average of 1.1%

The Association of Train Operating Companies says the increases slated for January are the lowest since the industry’s privatisation, but passengers on some routes see above-average rises

• East coast rail takes the public route
• Ministers under pressure to electrify rail

Rail chief urges caution on competition

The chairman of Spain’s state-owned train operator said it should retain its monopoly over aspects of rail operation

New East Coast rail operator in service pledge

The chairman of the company that will run the franchise insists that it will run like a normal commercial operation and pay a ‘substantial’ sum to government to operate the service

East coast rail takes the public route

In a week in which hundreds of trains have been cancelled on FirstGroup’s FirstCapital Connect service, the notion that all rail services may be better off in the public sector may have crossed weary commuters’ minds.

National Express faces Eurostar bill

The indebted transport group, which is set to give up its lossmaking East Coast rail franchise, could be obliged to pay up to £32m to cover losses by the cross-Channel rail service

National Express faces uphill battle

The bus and rail operator launches a £360m rights issue to help cover interest payments on its debts of more than £1bn, but the Cosmen family, its largest shareholder, fails to back the move

Some trips to take longer on high-speed line

Heavier tilting trains disadvantaged on planned 450kph route even though freight trains will be banned

Date set for East Coast rail handover

The government will take over control of National Express’s lossmaking East Coast franchise a week on Friday, the company announced, ending uncertainty over the route’s future