NEW figures showing that the publicly-run East Coast Main Line is handing back £235m to taxpayers this year is evidence that the line should not be re-privatised, a union claims.

Rail union RMT said a report due to be published this week will show that East Coast managers, Directly Operated Railways, have paid back £1bn to the Government since it took over in 2009 when the National Express franchise collapsed.

The union said the figures, which reveal a 12 per cent rise in payments this year, made a mockery of the Government’s plans to re-privatise the line before the next election.

RMT acting general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is simply ludicrous to even contemplate re-privatisation when not only have there been two previous private sector failures on the East Coast route but when the public-sector rescue operation has been such a stunning success."

In response, the Department for Transport said a strong private-sector partner would provide certainty of ownership for the East Coast franchise and would be best placed to build on the significant investment planned for the route.

A spokesman added: "We are currently considering the bids for the franchise, and will announce our decision later in the year.

"In making our decision, we will look at factors including value for money, long-term benefits for communities across the route and improved services for passengers and local businesses and not just the return to the taxpayer.”