After running up losses which are expected to be more than 20mUKP in the first half of this year the National Express East coast mainline franchise is to be taken back into public ownership.

The decision was announced by Lord Adonis the Transport Secretary, who said he had been forced into drastic action 'to ensure the continuity of service to passengers, with no disruption or diminution of service standards.

The government does not plan to keep the franchise in their hands, but is expecting it to
be reallocated within a year.

No word has yet been given on the other franchises that National Express are responsible for.