OREANDA-NEWS. June 03, 2015. Stagecoach Group plc ("Stagecoach") is pleased to confirm that a Stagecoach-Abellio joint venture has been shortlisted by the Department for Transport ("DfT") for the new East Anglia franchise.

The current Greater Anglia franchise has been operated by Abellio since February 2012. The new East Anglia franchise runs five routes and operates a mix of inter-city, suburban and regional services, carrying more than 350,000 passengers every day.

Abellio East Anglia Limited (AEAL) is one of three operators shortlisted for the franchise. Stagecoach holds a 40% share of Anglia Rail Holdings Limited (ARHL), the 100% parent company of AEAL, with Abellio holding 60% of ARHL.

Shortlisted bidders are expected to be invited to submit detailed proposals later this year and the new operator will take over managing the franchise in October 2016.

Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: "We are one of the country's leading rail companies and we know the railway is central to the economy in East Anglia. We believe our strong track-record, combined with the insight of the incumbent operator, Abellio, can produce a powerful joint bid to deliver a better experience for customers, and support jobs and businesses in the region.

"There is good momentum in UK rail franchising and our interest in the East Anglia contract is part of our strategy of growing our rail portfolio with selected bids either individually or with selected partners.

"Our plans will include a focus on delivering shorter journey times, better connections and investment in and around stations. We look forward to working with local stakeholders to develop detailed proposals for better services to the commuters and leisure passengers who use the network."

Abellio was awarded a two-year contract to operate the current Greater Anglia franchise from 5 February 2012. In 2014, a further direct award was negotiated with Abellio until 16 October 2016.