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<p>The Government, as part of the Rail Investment Strategy (RIS) for CP5, provided
a £240m connectivity fund for infrastructure improvements on the East Coast Main Line.
The apportionment of this fund is being administered by an industry programme board
and enhancements under the fund are to deliver an increase in capacity, which the
new franchise plans to utilise to deliver their train service.</p><p> </p><p>The new
franchise will be responsible for delivering the new Intercity Express Programme (IEP)
fleet of class 800 / 801 trains into service. The Government’s RIS for CP5 has specified
investments of £330m on the East Coast Main Line to enable the class 800 / 801 fleet
to run to a range of destinations.</p><p> </p><p>Through the franchise competition,
Virgin Trains East Coast was required, as part of their bid, to protect the existing
level of open access and freight services. The infrastructure improvements provided
by the RIS for CP5 create additional capacity. Applications to use the capacity are
currently with the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) from both the InterCity East Coast
franchise and an open access operator. A decision on these applications is expected
from the ORR in due course. Any decision on future aspirations for additional open
access or freight services will taken by the ORR.</p><p> </p>
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