UK govt says taking over Nat Express rail franchise

LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - The British government will take over the running of the East Coast rail route from National Express NXE.L, Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said on Wednesday.

Adonis told BBC radio that the franchise would remain in government hands for "about a year" until the contract could be relet.

The government was also exploring options on two other National Express franchises, Adonis added.

(Editing by Simon Jessop)