Anglia Railways

£9.2m boost for the region as Anglia Railways and Strategic Rail Authority launch new direct Norwich – Cambridge train services
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date 30 September 2002
source Anglia Railways
type Press release

Anglia Railways' new, direct train service between Norwich and Cambridge is officially launched today (Monday 30 September - the first full day of the new winter timetable) with photocalls at both Norwich and Cambridge stations.

Nick Newton, chief operating officer at the Strategic Rail Authority will be joining Anglia Railways' managing director Tim Clarke in formally welcoming the start of this long-awaited new service, which provides a major boost for the East Anglia region and economy, in restoring direct train services between these important regional centres for the first time in almost 20 years.

The Strategic Rail Authority has awarded Anglia Railways ?9.2m of Rail Passenger Partnership funding to assist in the start-up and operational costs in providing the new service, including the introduction of four brand new 100mph Class 170 turbostar diesel trains.

Anglia Railways are delighted to welcome Nick Newton to sample the new trains and direct service for the first time, joining passengers on the 09.13 Norwich to Cambridge and 10.38 Cambridge to Norwich services.

Photocalls to officially welcome the service will take place at Norwich station at 09.00am and at Cambridge station at 10.30am.

The introduction of this exciting new service has been warmly welcomed by key stakeholders from across the region, including MPs, local authorities, rail user groups and the regional media, who provided positive support to Anglia Railways in helping to win the support of a Rail Passenger Partnership grant.

The service proper commenced from the start of the new winter timetable on Sunday 29 September. An hourly service will operate throughout the day (15 trains in each direction on weekdays and 10 on Sundays) offering a competitive journey time of around 70 minutes. The service will be operated by four brand new Class 170 100mph two-carriage diesel trains, with air-conditioning and both First and Standard Class accommodation. An at-seat refreshment service is provided on the trains. Anglia Railways has recruited 40 additional members of staff to provide the new service.

Commenting on the official launch for the new service, Tim Clarke, Anglia Railways' managing director said:

"The launch of the new, direct train service between Norwich and Cambridge is another significant milestone for Anglia Railways and our parent company GB Railways. Since 1997, we have increased the frequency of our mainline services by 60% and with this new route, local services by 40%."

"By adopting a partnership approach we continue to positively work together with the local communities and stakeholders we serve, in securing substantial new investment for the region's train services."

Nick Newton, Chief Operating Officer, Strategic Rail Authority added:

"The start of the Norwich to Cambridge service, with modern new trains between two major cities in East Anglia, offers new opportunities for commuting and leisure travel. We are providing Rail Passenger Partnership funding for this development in the expectation of a significant shift to rail from usage of the congested A11."

Railhub Archive ::: 2002-09-30 ANG-001