Greater Anglia to introduce a range of service improvements from May
We welcome the news that Greater Anglia is introducing a range of service improvements from May, particularly the extra morning and evening peak services between Ipswich/Norwich and Cambridge. This was a recommendation from our Shorter-Term Rail Report published last year, where we highlighted that increasing frequency at peak times is a relatively low-cost way to support business travel, connectivity and growth.
It’s encouraging to see it being delivered. Increasing peak-time frequency on these corridors will reduce waiting times, improve interchange opportunities, attract more passengers and support access to rapidly growing job opportunities in Cambridge.
We are also supportive of the earlier service between Ipswich and Lowestoft on the East Suffolk line, helping to fill gaps in the timetable and improve regularity for passengers in this part of Suffolk, particularly those accessing college and jobs . We know this was a priority for our partners in East Suffolk.
We also welcome extra services between Norwich and Sheringham, additional peak services between Norwich and Great Yarmouth, more early morning services between Cambridge and Stansted Airport, extra services between Norwich and Ely. Together, these changes will strengthen connectivity across the region and make rail a more attractive option people across the region.
Many of the planned timetable changes give earlier and later services, or provide increased frequency to rural stations in the region, which increases sustainable transport opportunities for those in more isolated communities.