TRAIN operator GNER has submitted its bid for a new 10-year franchise to run services on the East Coast main line between London and Scotland.
The company has delivered its bid documents to the Strategic Rail Authority.
The document highlights GNER's record in providing the most reliable long-distance train fleet in Britain.
It also includes customer satisfaction ratings and details of its £100m investment in refitted coaches, on-board wireless internet services, station improvements and bigger station car parks.
The East Coast route serves Huddersfield through Wakefield and Leeds stations.
GNER chief executive Christopher Garnett said: "I am confident that we have submitted the winning bid. The Government will now decide what type of railway it wants."
The Strategic Rail Authority issued its final invitation for bids on October 6.
GNER's current franchise runs out at the end of April, 2005. Three other companies are bidding to run the service from May 1 next year.
They are Danish-based rail operator DBS; FirstGroup's London, Scottish and North East Railways; and Inter City-Railways, backed by Stagecoach Group and Virgin Group.
The authority is expected to announce a preferred bidder for the route early next year.
