12.07.13
Greater Anglia franchise ‘could be split in two’
The Department for Transport is considering splitting the franchise covering East Anglia in two when it is awarded in 2016, it has been reported.
The East Anglian Daily Times said one franchise would be responsible for main line InterCity services from London to Norwich and Ipswich, plus regional services around Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
A separate franchise would handle outer suburban trains to Ipswich and Cambridge, and services to Southend, Clacton, Walton, and Harwich. The split would resemble the situation that existed pre-2004, with Anglia Railways and First Great Eastern.
The metro services from London to Shenfield are being absorbed into Crossrail, while inner suburban services on the Cambridge line are becoming part of London Overground.
The paper reported the split is “being discussed by ministers” who believe two smaller franchises could be more responsive to public demand than one big franchise, but is not yet policy.
Greater Anglia is not commenting on the speculation.
(Great Eastern Main Line image copyright Nico Hogg)
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]