Review of train reserve charges

TRAIN passengers using the east coast mainline may see controversial seat reservation charges scrapped once the Government takes control of the struggling franchise next week.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said he would review the fees, implemented by National Express in May. The charge of £2.50 per person per journey outraged passengers and angered ministers when they were announced.

Lord Adonis, speaking in Glasgow yesterday said: "I will be looking at the issue of reservation fees. Its introduction was not welcomed by passengers."

The charges were introduced as National Express struggled to meet its £10 million monthly payments to the Government.

He confirmed the trains would remain under state control until mid-2011 to allow time for consultation, owing to the problems experienced by the previous two franchises.