Better services and easier journey planning were promised by National Express at the launch yesterday of its new east coast franchise between Scotland and London.

Better services and easier journey planning were promised by National Express at the launch yesterday of its new east coast franchise between Scotland and London.

The franchise, replacing GNER and running until 2015, will become the standard bearer for the company's plan to "make travel simpler", the new operator said.

The company insisted journey times would be cut and fare increases would average between 1% and 2.1% as it invests £44m to improve services.

National Express group chief executive Richard Bowker said: "We are privileged to be taking over Inter-City East Coast, Britain's premier railway, which is known for the quality of its service by its many loyal customers.

"Our combined strengths of industry-leading operational performance, excellent customer service, innovation and sheer hard work give us confidence that we can make National Express East Coast a truly world-class railway."

As part of improvements, for the first time WiFi internet access will be provided free in standard class, as well as first, while a joint improvement plan agreed with Network Rail is expected to improve punctuality.

On-board catering will feature a wider range, with hot food served to seated travellers in standard fare seats.

Plans also include introducing real-time running information accessible by mobile phone; print-at-home tickets and a website which will enable total journey booking including parking and onward connections to be made in a single visit.

At stations, more than £10m will be spent to improve waiting rooms, CCTV cover and cycle spaces and increase car parking by 33%.