East Anglia Franchise Bidders

Today the Department for Transport announced the new bidders for the East Anglia rail franchise, which begins again in October 2016. The companies themselves comes of no suprise as all have operated service previously.
  • Abellio East Anglia Limited. Abellio, the present operator, have bid to extend into the new franchise. 
  • First East Anglia. First Group have previously owned the Great Eastern Franchise and are bidding for control of the Rural, Mainline and Intercity services in East Anglia.
  • National Express East Anglia (possibly the return of NXEA, and their livery?)
In order to gain the support of the DFT, the companies must prove they can operate a safe, efficient service which is financially liable and can afford to put investment into the franchise to transform services. The next franchise will be a longer term one, so obviously investment will be a big part which decides which operator the DFT will choose. The bids close at the end of the year.

~ Harry
Regards:

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