THE Government last night attempted to dispel fears of a third franchise failure on the East Coast Main Line by setting out what it expects of firms bidding to secure the route.

On a visit to Newcastle central station. Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said the Government wanted to see the best possible deal for the taxpayer and the paying customer, adding: “We will ensure that the company that wins the franchise has a strong and sustainable financial base.”

The East Coast Main Line is back in public hands after National Express last year refused to carry on funding the loss-making franchise, but is expected to be returned to the private sector in 2011.

Both National Express and predecessor GNER buckled under the financial demands placed on them by previous contracts.

Lord Adonis said that the Government’s desire for firms to pay even larger deposits in order to secure the franchise – known as performance bonds – could in fact make them think much more carefully about how much they were willing to commit financially.

He also rejected claims – including from some fellow Labour MPs – that he and the Government were rushing into re-franchising the East Coast Main Line. He said the route would remain in public hands for two years, while in the meantime the process of finding a new operator would take about 18 months.

He said: “This is being done in a proper and orderly way so that we get the best possible company to run the franchise from the end of 2011.”

But Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Norman Baker said: ‘‘Nothing the Transport Secretary has announced today gives any more certainty to passengers that a franchise holder won’t simply throw in the towel, as National Express did recently.”

Earlier, Lord Adonis said a new timetable on East Coast, being introduced from May 2011, would mean faster and more frequent journeys with ten per cent more trains into London King’s Cross in the morning peak.

Bidders for the franchise would also be expected to deliver improved on-train catering and station facilities, and demonstrate simpler ticket pricing.

He said: “The East Coast Main Line is one of Britain’s most important rail routes.

“It is vital to connecting cities in Scotland and the North of England to London and deserves the best possible service.”

Meanwhile, railway watchdog Passenger Focus said punctual trains, reliable services and improved value for money should be “non-negotiable”

terms of the new East Coast franchise contract.

Chief executive Anthony Smith said: “This is a prime opportunity for Government to solve passengers’ top issue with the railway – concerns about fares and getting a good deal for their journey.

“Passengers will want to see a realistic financial deal [with the Government] that doesn’t lead to train companies cutting costs and increasing fares and charges above inflation year on year.”

More female workers sought

NETWORK Rail yesterday launched a campaign to attract more female recruits after its chief executive criticised “sexist and outdated” public perceptions about jobs in the rail industry.

Iain Coucher said the company wanted more exceptional women to join and said the image of the railway as an old fashioned, heavy industry was not true today. About two per cent of Network Rail’s apprenticeship scheme applicants are female. Mr Coucher said: “I’m sure they are being put off by an outdated image of what we do and what we need. This is a scandalous waste.”