Published on: Friday, 7 August 2015
Last updated: Wednesday, 5 October 2016
Abellio Greater Anglia andthe Bittern Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) with which it works topromote local and community train services on the Norwich to Sheringham line inNorfolk, have been short-listed for two awards at this year's nationalCommunity Rail Awards.
The awards celebrate outstandingachievement and best practice in community rail development.
Abellio Greater Anglia, Norfolk CountyCouncil and the Bittern Line CRP have been recognised in the OutstandingTeamwork and Passengers Matter categories for the continued development of theBittern Line train service which runs between Norwich and Cromer / Sheringham, includingthe introduction of a year-round hourly Sunday service on the line, which saw Sundaypassenger journeys increase by 20% in the first quarter of 2015.
The enhanced service was launched lastOctober, meaning that for the first time there is an hourly frequency ofservice on Sundays during the winter period and therefore throughout the yearon the Bittern Line, benefiting communities along the route by providing betterconnectivity for trips to and from Norwich and the coast, and making NorthNorfolk more accessible and attractive for weekend breaks, all year round.
Other improvements to the line in the lasttwo years have included the introduction of a ticket vending machine at Cromer,refurbishment of the trains used on the line, a later train departure fromNorwich to Sheringham on Fridays and Saturdays, better customer facilities atNorth Walsham (including better lighting, a ticket vending machine and newcustomer information screens) and very good train service performance with amoving annual average punctuality of almost 95%.
Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairsfor Abellio Greater Anglia commented:
"We're pleased that our positive workwith Norfolk County Council and the Bittern Line CRP to promote and improve thetrain service on the Bittern Line has been recognised. From the start of our franchise we made areal commitment to our Community Rail lines - doubling train operator fundingfor the CRPs in East Anglia and investing time and resources into working closelywith them to encourage more people to use the train - as well as optimising therole of rail services and stations in supporting local communities and thelocal economy.
It's great to see this partnership approachand the efforts of many people in Abellio Greater Anglia, the CRPs and localcouncils, plus some outstanding volunteers, receiving nationalrecognition. We'll continue to worktogether to develop community rail lines and we are backing that commitmentwith the further 20% increase in funding we have made as part of current shortfranchise to October 2016."
The award winners and commended initiativeswill be announced at the 11th annual Community Rail Awards event which will beheld in Torquay on Thursday 1st October.