Rail companies operating routes through Essex are facing a major shake-up which will see three existing companies in the area merge into one super-franchise.
It has emerged this afternoon that from 2004 just one franchise (likely to be called Great Anglia) will operate in East Anglia instead of the three currently run by Anglia Railways, Great Eastern and WAGN (West Anglia Great Northern).
The new arrangements will affect north Essex services including those to Colchester and Clacton, and mid-Essex services including Braintree, Witham, Chelmsford, Wickford and Billericay.
It is hoped the move by the Strategic Rail Authority will reduce congestion on the tracks with just one company operating each route into London.
There are currently no plans to change the franchise for the south of Essex - currently held by c2c - which expires in May 2011.
SRA Chairman Richard Bowker said: "Today's announcement breaks the logjam and will help to stabilise and restore confidence within the rail industry.
"The SRA is also looking at the longer-term benefits of combining franchises and a simpler structure."
Published Wednesday December 19, 2001
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