AWARDING OF GREATER ANGLIA PASSENGER FRANCHISE TO NATIONAL EXPRESS GROUP PLC

That this House congratulates National Express on winning the Greater Anglia passenger rail franchise after a competitive process; recognises this success as a reflection of the Government's new franchising policy which makes the ability of bidders to meet service quality standards, punctuality and reliability targets the main criteria in awarding franchises; welcomes the extensive consultation carried out by National Express and the SRA prior to the awarding of the franchise; notes that the staff who have contributed to the previous West Anglia and Great Eastern franchises will be transferred to the new franchise where they can make a full contribution to future success; moreover applauds the appointment of the current Managing Director at Anglia Railways, Tim Clarke, to the position of Managing Director of the new Greater Anglia franchise; recognises that the total refurbishment of the rolling stock on the London to Norwich route will bring significant benefits to passengers and the regional economy; and looks forward to the benefits for passengers of a single operator for all services using London Liverpool Street station and the rural branch lines which are the lifeblood of East Anglia.