The government has confirmed mainline trains will run between Norwich and London in 90 minutes as part of a boost to East Anglia’s rail network which will include modern trains, 180 extra services a week and improved journeys. Under the government’s Invitation to Tender for the East Anglia franchise, published today, bidders for the next franchise will be required to introduce at least two 90-minute services in each direction running between Norwich and London every weekday.
It will also need to 'dramatically improve' the quality of trains running on East Anglia’s network' with extra points for bidders who trial new technologies in rolling stock. Free WiFi across the network, reductions on crowding and at least one extra 60-minute service per day in each direction between Ipswich and London are also assumed. Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “For too long, passengers in East Anglia have not had the high-quality rail services that they deserve. Our ambitious requirements will change that by making journeys significantly better than they are now."
“We have set out what we want to see bidders deliver as a minimum, but we are looking for bids that exceed our expectations wherever possible. It is now for the industry to step up to the challenge and tell us how they will make this happen.”
Bidders will also be required to provide plans to end the practice of flushing waste onto the tracks by fitting controlled emission toilets to all trains. They will also be expected to invest heavily in improving stations, as well as creating a £9.5 million ‘Customer and Communities Improvement Fund’. More than 135 million journeys are made on East Anglia’s rail network every year, with around 4,300 trains every week.
Three train operators have been shortlisted to compete to take over the franchise – a joint venture between Abellio and Stagecoach; First Group; and National Express. The government expects to announce the successful bidder in summer next year, with the new nine-year franchise due to start from October 2016.
The Invitation to Tender has been published alongside the responses to a government consultation completed earlier this year.
