BRITAIN's Department for Transport (DfT) announced on June 2 that it has shortlisted three bidders for the new East Anglia franchise, with incumbent Abellio seeking to retain the contract in the face of competition from First Group and the network's former operator National Express.
Abellio Greater Anglia (AGA) took over the operation of the franchise in February 2012, and a further direct award deal with the DfT began in July 2014, extending its tenure until October 16 2016.
AGA currently operates around 1900 suburban, regional, and long-distance services per weekday in eastern England and carries 135.2 million passengers per year, serving 176 stations with a fleet of 1034 vehicles.
The three bidders shortlisted for the 15-year franchise are:
- Abellio East Anglia (a joint venture between Abellio and Stagecoach)
- First East Anglia, and
- National Express East Anglia Trains.