Abellio is pleased and proud to be confirmed today (09 May) as the new operator of the East Midlands rail franchise by the Department for Transport. This concludes the ‘standstill’ period that followed the Department for Transport’s announcement on 10th April naming Abellio as Winning Bidder for the contract.
Abellio will invest £600 million including: brand new bi-mode intercity trains between the East Midlands, the North and London; a high-quality, dedicated, electric train service between London, Luton Airport and Corby; and the introduction of faster, modern, refurbished trains across the whole network. This investment will also see transformed stations, improved ticketing and accessibility, enhanced training and benefits for employees, including 30 new apprenticeships each year for young people. There will be closer working with Network Rail to maximise the benefits of the ongoing £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade.
Dominic Booth, Managing Director of Abellio UK, said:
“Abellio is pleased and proud to have been confirmed as Franchisee for the East Midlands Railway.
We’re looking forward to working with the East Midlands Trains management and frontline team who have laid such excellent foundations for us to build on to deliver the vision developed with local people and stakeholders.
“With all trains replaced and much higher capacity, our new franchise will renew the railway and support communities large and small across the East Midlands and beyond. “
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