Abellio has been awarded the Greater Anglia Franchise

Abellio Group has today been selected by the Department for Transport as the operator for the Greater Anglia train franchise.

This new franchise will provide intercity, commuter and rural services throughout the region. The franchise is due to start in February 2012. The duration of the contract is 29 months (32 railway periods).

Upon taking over the contract Abellio will be responsible for 3,000 employees and the safe operation of 43,000 services per month, carrying 2 million passengers per week. The first priority will be to ensure the seamless transition of operations to Abellio and start to deliver the improvements in customer service, station condition and operational performance that Abellio has committed to.

In addition Abellio will be focused on ensuring that the Greater Anglia network is ready to offer a major transport link to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Over the coming months the management team at Abellio will be working closely with NXEA, the Department for Transport, Transport for London, local stakeholders, employees and customers to ensure the smooth transfer.

Anton Valk, Chief Executive Officer, Abellio, said: “I am delighted Abellio has been selected for the Greater Anglia franchise. This win adds to Abellio’s already successfully operated franchises in the UK, Northern and Merseyrail and is a testament to the growing confidence that the Department for Transport has in our ability to bring positive change to rail services.”