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.

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."

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