Bombardier, a Derby-based train manufacturer, has been awarded a £1bn contract as part of “the biggest investment in the railways since the Victorian era”.
The government funding is part of a £1.4bn franchise given to Abiello public transport services to boost rail services in the East Anglia Area.
The funds will secure up to 1,000 jobs in the area for the next 10 years.
The contract will include 1,000 new carriages, more than half of which will be made in Derby, with an aim to cut travel time between Ipswich, Norwich and London.
Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, who announced the deal during a visit to Bombardier in Derby, said: “We are making the biggest investment in the railways since the Victorian era.
“By awarding this franchise to Abellio East Anglia we will improve journeys for people in East Anglia.
“Abellio’s decision [to use Bombardier as a supplier] will ensure our train-building industry in Derby remains strong.”
Des McKeon, UK commercial director at Bombardier Transportation, said: “We’re delighted to be chosen, pending final contract signing, as the preferred supplier for new trains for the East Anglia franchise.
“We look forward to working with our customer the Abellio UK, to support them in transforming rail services throughout the region and delivering an enhanced customer experience through the provision of new trains.”
The franchise, which will run until 2021, is also set to include:
- More than 32,000 extra seats on services arriving at London Liverpool Street during the morning peak
- Weekday services to Cambridge, Norwich, Stansted Airport, Lowestoft, Southend and London Liverpool Street will also increase by 13%
- At least four 90-minute services (two in each direction) between London and Norwich Monday to Friday
- Two, daily 60-minute services between London and Ipswich
- Free wi-fi for all passengers on trains and at stations
- New ticketing plans, due to begin in October 2017, will include new offers for part-time travellers and people who do not travel every day
