Train operator unveils 'welcome' timetable changes

A train provider that serves the East of England has unveiled its new timetable amid a push to increase services.

Greater Anglia said it would be increasing the availability of trains from Sunday to match a post-pandemic increase in demand.

The 08:00 and 17:00 services between Norwich and London would now see a journey time under one hour and 40 minutes, the operator revealed.

Ian Couzens, chairman of Railfuture East Anglia, said he welcomed the changes.

What changes can you expect?

Greater Anglia said it would be making the changes to reflect new travel patterns and support the ongoing recovery in passenger numbers across its routes.

The amended services include:

• Additional weekday evening peak services from London to Southend-on-Sea, Southminster, Witham and Ipswich.

• "Faster journey times" between Norwich and London, with most off-peak services timed for one hour and 47 minutes and the peak trains running seven minutes quicker.

• Off-peak Clacton-on-Sea to London services would call at Hythe, Colchester.

• Additional services on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays during the peak summer season between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

• Extra Sunday morning services during the peak summer season between Ipswich and Peterborough.

• The timetable would see a continuation of the four hourly Stansted Express trains from London Stansted Airport.

'Good news'

Jamie Burles, managing director at Greater Anglia, said the changes would bring quicker journey times and offer more services during summer.

"We have transformed rail travel in our region, offering an excellent travel experience, more seats and a more punctual and reliable service," he said.

"We’ll continue to adjust our timetable in line with emerging demand and look to make further improvements whenever practical - working with regional partners on the case for additional services wherever appropriate.”

And Mr Couzens welcomed the changes and said they "demonstrated confidence" in passenger levels recovering.

"The improvement in the Norwich to Liverpool Street timings are also good to hear," he said.

"It's important that steady progress is made towards achieving the 'Norwich in 90' target in the long run."

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