Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the proposed timetable for changes to the East Coast Main Line service will be finalised.

The public consultation on the proposed major timetable change on the East Coast Main Line, which proposed significant improvements to LNER services, received over 9000 responses and invaluable feedback and insight from local communities. In order to address thoroughly all the concerns raised, the major timetable upgrade is now targeted for 2023 at the earliest. The feedback received through the consultation has now been reviewed and work is continuing towards a plan for the implementation of revised proposals for a new, reliable timetable on the East Coast Main Line; one that more closely aligns with stakeholder feedback, ensures passengers experience the benefits of the £1.2billion invested in the East Coast upgrade and is appropriate for the rail industry’s financial position following the spending review. The Department will be able to share the outcome of that work once it completes later this year.