National Express welcomes extension to C2c rail franchise

Transport company National Express has cheered its investors with the news the Department for Transport has decided to extend the c2c rail franchise to September 2014.

Transport company National Express has cheered its investors with the news the Department for Transport has decided to extend the c2c rail franchise to September 2014.

The franchise, which was due to expire on May 26th, also has an option to extend it until April 2015.

National Express Group Chief Executive, Dean Finch, said: "We are delighted with today's announcement. Under National Express this service has gone from being dubbed 'the Misery Line' to become the UK's most popular and most punctual rail franchise. We look forward to maintaining our existing high standards and continuing to serve the people of East London and South Essex."

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up

National Express is currently one of four companies shortlisted to run the new 15-year Essex Thameside franchise that will follow the c2c extension.

NR