A LEADING rail union is to stage a series of protests to mark the final day of a train company being run in the public sector.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will organise demonstrations along the East Coast Main Line today at London, Doncaster and Edinburgh.

The union is opposed to the franchise being switched to private operators Virgin and Stagecoach.

Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “The RMT will mark this latest scandal on Britain’s privatised railways and the union will renew the fight to return the entire network to public ownership – a policy supported by 70 per cent of the British people.”

In a farewell message to stakeholders, East Coast’s managing director Karen Boswell said significant investment had been made in staff and assets since the company inherited the business in 2009, with a relentless focus on customers.

She said: “During the last five years, we’ve been the recipients of no fewer than 65 industry awards.

“I’m proud of the fact that we have restored the pride to this jewel in the crown of Britain’s railways, leaving a legacy of having created the best possible platform for this franchise to continue its success and development into the future under new ownership.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We are confident that the new East Coast franchise gives the best deal for passengers.

“It will provide more seats, more services, new trains and over £140 million of investment along the route.

“In addition, more than £3 billion will be paid to taxpayers.”