2015-11-30 HS2 and the Northern Powerhouse (Department for Transport)

_______________________________________________________________

date 17 September 2015
source Abellio
type Press release

Abellio welcomes today's announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) that it has been shortlisted for the next East Anglia franchise in partnership with Stagecoach Group.

The current Abellio Greater Anglia franchise is changing – the transfer of the inner services to Crossrail and London Overground (LOROL) will result in a longer-distance more intercity-focused network. Recognising this change and the competitive nature of the franchising process, Abellio has decided to bid in partnership with Stagecoach Group. The consortium of Abellio and Stagecoach will deliver the strategic importance of East Anglia and will bring together our proven customer services, door to door philosophy and intercity experience.

The combination of these two transport market leading companies will rise to the challenge and deliver an excellent, transformed experience for customers.

Commenting on the news, Dominic Booth, Managing Director Abellio UK, said:

"As the existing operator of East Anglia this is fantastic news and represents a tremendous opportunity for Abellio and our partner Stagecoach. East Anglia is a rapidly growing part of the country. The rail passenger growth we have achieved is indicative of our success since being awarded the Greater Anglia contract in 2012. We are also in no doubt of the importance of this franchise to the 354,000 daily passengers and we look forward, along with Stagecoach, to competing to retain the franchise which plays such a crucial role in sustaining the long term economic and social prosperity of the cities and towns served by this railway including the critical importance of serving the City of London. We eagerly await the publication of the Department for Transport requirements for the new franchise."

*** ENDS ***

Railhub Archive ::: 2015-09-17 ABB-001