Three companies have successfully passed the pre-qualification stage for the East Anglia franchise, and will now develop proposals ahead of the Invitation To Tender being received in August.
Abellio East Anglia Limited (a joint venture between Abellio and Stagecoach), First East Anglia Limited and National Express East Anglia Trains Limited have been shortlisted for the Anglian franchise, which is currently operated by Abellio.
The EA deal was initially let on a 29-month deal in February 2012, with plans for the longer franchise to start in July 2014. Due to the franchising review, a Direct Award was issued to Abellio last year. The winning candidate will be revealed next summer, with the new franchise due to begin in October 2016.
Read Comment from Mark Pendlington, chairman of New Anglia LEP and co-chairman of the Great Eastern Main Line Taskforce
- For more on this issue, see RAIL 776, published on June 10.
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Abellio staff treated badly - 02/06/2015 16:04
Wow - that really is an abysmal selection of operators chosen. Abellio have run everything into the ground, well what was left after national express ruined it. First at least have been there before, despite last nights program on FGW at least there might be some investment I suppose.
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Andrewjgwilt1989 - 07/06/2015 13:19
I think First Group should win and to have a new name for the Greater Anglia franchise known as First East Anglia aswell First West Anglia and First Stansted Express or to name as First Eastern Trains or to have First Great Eastern to return for 8 years.
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