National Express seeks explanation for East Anglia snub

BIRMINGHAM-based transport group National Express is in talks with the Department for Transport for an explanation on why its bid to operate the East Anglia rail franchise was passed over.

The company has been overlooked as a potential operator for the new route in favour of Abellio, UK subsidiary of the Dutch national passenger operator NS.

In a statement, National Express said: “We are naturally disappointed because we delivered a disciplined bid that balanced significant customer improvement with excellent value to taxpayers and a fair return for shareholders. We are seeking feedback on our bid from the Department for Transport.”

Shares in the group dipped in early trading yesterday following the announcement but recovered to close down 0.67%.

However, the announcement has had one benefit for the region.

The decision means a £1bn order for Derby-based Bombardier to build 660 new train carriages for the franchise.

The deal will secure the jobs of around 1,000 people in the city.

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.

“It’s a great endorsement of Bombardier’s next-generation AVENTRA train family, which offers maximum flexibility, to serve many different market requirements from metro to intercity.”

The new East Anglia franchise starts in October and the contract runs until 2025.