Norfolk and Suffolk : New Train Contract

20 October 2011, 08:39 | Updated: 20 October 2011, 12:59

A Dutch company has won their bid to take over the rail services in Norfolk and Suffolk from next year.

They beat off competition from two UK companies to run the services through Norfolk and Suffolk.

Abellio Greater Anglia Limited will be in charge of rail services including the London line through Ipswich and Norwich.

They won the Greater Anglia franchise ahead of Stagecoach and Go-Ahead Group and will start in February 2012.

Chloe Smith, the MP for Norwich North has led the calls to improve the Norfolk rail and insists Abellio must commit to investing in the network.

“I look forward to working closely with Abellio to ensure that the urgent improvements needed to the Greater Anglia rail network are delivered. I will continue to campaign to hold Abellio, along with Network Rail and Government, to account to make these simple hopes a reality for Norfolk rail passengers.

“I believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a commitment to the long-term benefit of the Norfolk economy, and to provide the residents and businesses of Norwich with the high-quality rail service they deserve".