Greater Anglia: Public Ownership, Rail Reform & Eastern Region Growth

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Introduction

Greater Anglia’s services will transfer to public ownership, becoming the third operator to do so under the Government’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act. This move will see almost 50% of rail passenger journeys overseen by Great British Railways (GBR) being operated by publicly owned companies.

Public Ownership Transition

Greater Anglia will transition to public ownership, supporting growth across the Anglia region. Under public ownership, the company will engage with local communities, share best practices, and contribute to a unified railway system.

Government Initiatives and Goals

The transition aligns with the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to reform the rail system, simplify operations, and prioritize passengers. The government is reshaping railway management to improve performance and reliability through a phased program that includes bringing services into public ownership and establishing Great British Railways.

Operational and Infrastructure Developments

Greater Anglia will continue to drive regional development, with two new stations opening soon: Beaulieu Park will open this month, followed by Cambridge South early next year. Greater Anglia’s new fleet of bi-mode trains has improved journeys, accessibility, reliability, and comfort. Between April 2024 and March 2025, a high percentage of Greater Anglia trains arrived within three minutes of their scheduled time.

Leadership and Collaboration

Integrated leadership teams are being created across publicly owned train operators and Network Rail routes ahead of the full establishment of Great British Railways. Jamie Burles has been appointed Integrated Managing Director (Designate) in the Anglia region. He will identify opportunities for better coordination between track and train, establishing a single executive leadership team uniting Network Rail Anglia, c2c, and Greater Anglia under a shared vision for the Eastern region.

Conclusion

Greater Anglia’s transition to public ownership is part of the Government’s plan to reform the rail system. The move is supported by local business and community leaders, with the goal of enhancing service standards and boosting economic growth. Legislation to formally establish Great British Railways is expected this autumn.

Company Summary

Greater Anglia: Greater Anglia provides passenger rail services in the Anglia region.

Great British Railways (GBR): GBR will oversee the majority of rail passenger journeys.

Chiltern Railways: Chiltern Railways is a train operating company.

Great Western Railway: Great Western Railway is a train operating company.

Network Rail: Network Rail is responsible for the management and maintenance of the railway infrastructure.

c2c: c2c is a train operating company.

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce: An organization focused on supporting businesses in Norfolk.

Norwich BID: An organization focused on supporting businesses in Norwich.

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