DfT to sell 30-year HS1 concession

The rights to run the high speed rail line between London and the Channel Tunnel have been put up for sale by the Government. The sale is expected to raise £1.5bn. The successful bidder will become the owner of HS1 Ltd which has a 30-year concession to operate the line and its stations.

"The Government does not have to run everything directly – we need to take prompt action where private enterprise can provide both a better deal and a superior service to the public,” Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said.