Get back on track; COMMENT.

IN the East Coast mainline, we have a reasonably fast, pretty reliable and direct link to London - vital for this region's economy.

But serious questions now need to be asked on leaving it to the vagaries of the private market after National Express abandoned its franchise.

While other European countries have enviable public-run integrated rail systems Britain continues to have private companies battling to run the services.

It has arguably led to more investment but for passengers it has invariably become more expensive to travel, to the point of fares being prohibitive.

What this region needs is an integrated transport system, which provides value for money and makes it easy for commuters, residents, businesses and visitors to move around.

The East Coast mainline, operated properly and consistently, is part of that, as is investing in making the link faster.

Coupled with improvements to our road network and support to ensure Newcastle International Airport does not lose out to Leeds Bradford and Manchester, this could be an opportunity once and for all to create a blueprint for regional transport.

Part of that should be the East Coast mainline remaining in public hands creating some certainty for passengers and staff alike.