THERE were fears that jobs could go and fares could go up after GNER won the right to run the East Coast Mainline.

The Evening Press reported yesterday how the York-based firm had seen off its rivals to win back the prestigious route, but at a huge cost. The company will have to pay the Government £1.3 billion over ten years.

In the wake of that, GNER chief executive Christopher Garnett indicated that job cuts could be on the cards, but said it would be fewer than 300 from its national workforce of 3,000. The company is set to meet trade unions to discuss the future.

Mr Garnett said: "It is about working together to work out how we can become more effective."

He revealed fares could go up to pay for the increased demands on the company.

Updated: 10:09 Wednesday, March 23, 2005