Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced that the government will implement the recommendations made by the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) task force to improve rail services to East Anglia.

The task force was set up to look at improving journey times between London and Norwich. It was named Norwich in 90, as a reference to the target time for the journey, which is an hour and a half.

The Department for Transport (DfT) plans to implement the recommendations as part of the next GEML franchise, which is due to be awarded in 2016. Present operator Abellio is already refurbishing its train fleet, thanks to a franchise renewal deal agreed in April 2014.

The announcement is part of the government’s National Infrastructure Plan, which was published on December 2nd by chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander.

Mr McLoughlin said: “We know East Anglia’s growing economy needs a better rail service. Part of this government’s long-term economic plan is to ensure growth and prosperity for the region and for the nation as a whole.”