Greater Anglia: reactions to nationalisation October date

The news that Greater Anglia will return to public ownership on October 12 has been welcomed in the community.

Greater Anglia services numerous stations in Essex including Colchester, Clacton, Chelmsford, Braintree, Halstead, Maldon, and Harwich. 

The Department of Transport made the announcement last Friday and forms part of the Labour Government’s renationalisation of UK railways plans.

The train operator says train services, timetables and station facilities will not be affected by the transition, with no changes to ticket validities or conditions of carriage.

Colchester Station (Image: Greater Anglia) Employees’ roles are also unaffected, as they will all transfer across into the publicly owned company.

Martin Beable, managing director of Greater Anglia, said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved here in East Anglia over the past 13 years, significantly improving standards, investing in a complete fleet of new trains, and working closely with the local community.

"As we transition to a publicly owned railway, we remain focused on delivering outstanding levels of service for our passengers.”

Mark Leslie, chairman of the Kelvedon rail users’ association, said: “I look forward very much to the railway service coming back to public ownership.

Station - a Greater Anglia train (Image: PR) “It will be good to have the rail networks as one rather than being split between railway companies, I think will it be advantageous.”

Colchester MP Pam Cox said, “Labour promised to overhaul Britain’s railways, and this announcement demonstrates we are delivering on our commitment.

“Fourteen years of Conservative neglect failed passengers, businesses, and taxpayers. I was proud to vote for the Passenger Railway Services Bill in Parliament that enabled the Government to take Greater Anglia into public ownership.

“I fully support the Government’s new approach to deliver better and more reliable rail services for passengers.

MP - Pam Cox (Image: Colchester Labour)

"New trains on the Greater Anglia line are already having a positive impact for passengers and as the most punctual operator on the network I expect Greater Anglia to go from strength to strength.

“Great British Railways will deliver a unified system that focuses on reliable, affordable, high-quality, and efficient services; along with ensuring safety and accessibility.

"Having a joined-up system will also help to grow the use of the rail system for passengers and deliver more freight journeys too.”

Colchester's High Steward, Sir Bob Russell, said: “I welcome the news that the railway service in the East of England is to again be publicly owned by the citizens of the United Kingdom."