Delays in deciding who will operate the East Coast rail line have left passengers waiting more than a year for service improvements, a York-based watchdog said today.

The Rail Passengers Committee for North East England said passengers were suffering because of the Government's indecision on whether the service, which links York to London and Edinburgh, should be run by GNER or Virgin.

Committee secretary Ernie Preston said: "We have been saying for a long time that what is desperately needed is a decision on who gets the franchise.

"Until that is made, Railtrack or whoever upgrades the line can't get on with it because it is not known what is needed. GNER wants to run different trains while Virgin want to use different sections of track.

"Until we know which company will run the service, work cannot be done to improve it and passengers are not getting the service that they need and deserve."

He said the delay had now lasted for about a year.

"When we are looking at something affecting the railway for the next 20 years, it is important to weigh the different aspects to make sure we do make the right decision, but surely there are limits on the time that can be taken.

"What we are saying is passengers are waiting too long for improvements and we are asking the Government to make this decision."

A Strategic Rail Authority spokesman said: "We have made a recommendation, and we will be passing that over to the Department of Transport, Local Government and Regions very shortly."

Updated: 10:38 Friday, June 15, 2001