The east coast rail franchise is just the latest acquisition by the government since the financial crisis, which has also seen the state nationalise a number of the UK's largest banks.The French seem to put it best: "deja vu" or "plus ca change..." All changed yet little has changed at all. Passengers arriving at King's Cross station for Saturday's inaugural East Coast service from London to York were bemused at the sight of TV cameramen chasing Transport Secretary Lord Adonis along the platform. They almost certainly missed the new company logo adorning the train they were about to board. Peeled off was the National Express sticker and in its place was the imaginatively titled East Coast logo, which took over the running of the east coast rail line from midnight. For the rest though, it's much the same. Same timetable, same prices, routes, same staff and same food.
The east coast rail franchise is just the latest acquisition by the government since the financial crisis, which has also seen the state nationalise a number of the UK's largest banks.
The French seem to put it best: "deja vu" or "plus ca change..."
All changed yet little has changed at all.
Passengers arriving at King's Cross station for Saturday's inaugural East Coast service from London to York were bemused at the sight of TV cameramen chasing Transport Secretary Lord Adonis along the platform.
They almost certainly missed the new company logo adorning the train they were about to board.
Peeled off was the National Express sticker and in its place was the imaginatively titled East Coast logo, which took over the running of the east coast rail line from midnight.
For the rest though, it's much the same. Same timetable, same prices, routes, same staff and same food.
Can't you feel yout thrusting free market entrepreneurial spirit wilting as drab socialist colours replace innovative world class graphic design?
Also:
BBC NEWS | UK | East Coast becomes nationalised express
The government has to tread a difficult line in how this re-nationalised east coast line is to be run. If it's too good, there will be strong calls for the rest of the rail network to be operated by the state.
The government has to tread a difficult line in how this re-nationalised east coast line is to be run.
If it's too good, there will be strong calls for the rest of the rail network to be operated by the state.
So if the service improves it might show up the serious people - which must not be allowed to happen, by definition.
