Derby-based train manufacturing firm Bombardier has secured a new contract worth £1 billion which will secure 1,000 jobs in the city over the next 10 years.
The order is one of the biggest for trains built in the UK and comes as part of a £1.4 billion franchise in East Anglia which the government awarded to Abiello.
The franchise will see the introduction of more than 1,000 new carriages, of which 660 will be manufactured in Derby. This will reduce train times between London, Norwich and Ipswich.
Bombardier Transportationâs UK Commercial Director, Des McKeon, said that the company is pleased to have been selected as the preferred supplier (pending the signing of the final contract) for new trains for the East Anglia franchise.
McKeon added: 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.
From October this year, Abellio East Anglia will run the franchise and within the next five years there will be 32,000 more seats on services arriving at Londonâs Liverpool Street station during morning peak time.
Furthermore, weekday service to London Liverpool Street, Southend, Lowestoft, Stansted Airport, Norwich and Cambridge are set to increase by 13%.
Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, said that the deal will mark the most significant investment in railways since the Victorian era and he believes that journeys for people in East Anglia will improve thanks to the award of the franchise to Abellio East Anglia.
Grayling continued: Abellio’s decision will make sure that our train building industry in Derby remains strong. This is part of our plan to make an economy that works for everyone – not just the privileged few – by ensuring prosperity is spread throughout the country.
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