The search is on for the next operator of the East Anglia rail franchise, which will begin its next two-year contract in October 2016. The franchise consists of five routes that transport over 345,000 passengers every day.

The Department for Transport (DfT) published its franchise prospectus on February 19th, which lays out its requirements for a successful bid. It has prioritised better journey times, along with improved customer service and reliability.

Any prospective operator would also need to show the DfT how they planned to cut journeys between Norwich and London to 90 minutes, which the government has earmarked as an important development.
Launching the process, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “East Anglia has a thriving economy and I want it to be served by the best train services possible. Giving the region train services fit for the 21st century is vital to connecting people with jobs and businesses with customers.”