Big Changes in Train Services Could Affect Stowmarket for the Better

Big changes in train services affects Stowmarket for the better. 

A Dutch company are set to take over the Greater Anglia train franchise in

Feburary 2012, the contract will last until July 2014. According to the transport

Minister Therasa Villiers, an off shoot of Dutch rail company NV Nederlandse

Spoorwegen called 'Abellio Greater Anglia Limited' will be taking charge.

Abellio's battle for the Greater Anglia franchise, which includes routes from

London to Essex, Suffolk, (including Stowmarket) Norfolk and Cambridgeshire was

fought against UK based companies Stagecoach and Go-Ahead group, and now that

they have won it they will be in pole position for the longer contract that

could last for 15 after the initial contract has ended.

This could mean good news for the people of Stowmarket. Ms Villiers has stated

that within the terms of their contract, Abellio will commence a series of

improvements during their term. The improvements include text message

notifications sent directly to passenger mobile phones should there be any

service disruptions and improved station and ticket facilities. 

The major stations including Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge,

Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street will be provided with new

information desks. As well as furthering the reach and usability of the Oyster

card pay-as-you-go facility as far out from London as Hertfordshire.

600 Additional Car Park spaces have also been agreed to by

Abellio, (subject to planning approval). As well as better cleaning of trains

and stations and an increased number of bicycle sheds.

The Dutch company will also be under stricter reliability requirements,

meaning more trains on time with fewer disruptions. Abellio have also agreed to

publish punctuality figures by route for the benefit of the passengers to

review their overall performance.