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EAST Coast train operator GNER has secured a national award for the quality of its service.

The company, which runs fast, frequent services on the East Coast Main Line, has been awarded a Charter Mark, the Government’s national standard for excellence in customer service.  GNER is only the second UK train operator to have this prestigious accreditation.

The award is based on a three-stage assessment:  review and preparation of evidence; submission of a detailed application pack; and a three-day on-site visit.

In his summary the lead assessor, Geoff Pritchard from SGS United Kingdom Ltd, said that GNER “was found to be enthusiastically committed to the Charter Mark ethos.  The commitment was found from senior management levels through to operational and front line staff.”

GNER’s chief executive Jonathan Metcalfe said:  “This award, which represents another franchise commitment delivered, is welcome recognition of the skills and dedication of staff across the business and their continuing focus on looking after our passengers.”

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Note to Editors:

GNER runs services on the East Coast Main Line between London King’s Cross, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, the North East of England and Scotland, carrying almost 17 million passengers a year.  In the most recent independent National Passenger Survey GNER achieved its best ever satisfaction rating from passengers, at 90%.

The SGS Group is a global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services.  Founded in 1878, SGS is recognised as the global benchmark in quality and integrity.  With over 42,000 employees, SGS operates a network of almost 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

For further information, contact GNER Press Office – 01904 523072 or 0131 550 2015. Out-of-hours, please call 08700 00 51 51 and ask for the duty press officer to be paged.

Visit the GNER Press Centre at www.gner.co.uk for an image library and press release archive.