West Norfolk train operator begins new contract to run services

West Norfolk's main train operator will continue to run services for at least the next three years under a new contract which begins today.

A new deal has been awarded to Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the parent company of Great Northern, which runs most passenger services from Lynn to London.

The contract will initially run until 2025 but could be extended until 2028, if that is approved by the Government.

And bosses say it heralds a new chapter with plans including the phasing out of the company's entire fleet of diesel trains by 2035 and introducing its first zero emission units within a year.

GTR chief executive Patrick Verwer said: “We welcome this positive news, which marks the start of a new era for GTR.

“I’m incredibly proud of how far we have come, including overcoming two challenging years dominated by Covid.

“All of this is thanks to the continued focus and passion that GTR colleagues bring to work every day.

“I'm delighted that GTR's long-standing experience in running the UK's largest train network, our focus on improving the customer experience and our strong local community relationships have been recognised.

“This new agreement means we can continue to build on what we have achieved to date as we focus on welcoming more people back to the railway.”

GTR has run Great Northern, as well as Thameslink and Southern services, since 2014.

The new contract includes an annual management fee to the company of £8.8 million, with performance fees worth up to £22.9 million a year.