John Baron MP meets Abellio and welcomes plans for rail service improvements

MP: New Greater Anglia Franchises operator will focus on customer services

 Today in Parliament John Baron MP met with Cameron Jones, Public Affairs Director of Abellio Group, to discuss the group’s plans for the Greater Anglia Franchise. Abellio will start operating services on the Greater Anglia route, including the Billericay line into London Liverpool Street, from 5^th February 2012. The 2½ year franchise will concentrate on improvements to customer service, station and operational performance.

 John said:

 “It was good to meet with Abellio today and hear their exciting plans for improving the service. The main focus will be customer service, with additional staff training and better information courtesy of each station staff member having blackberry devices. A closer working relationship with Network Rail, the track operator, should also benefit customers.”

 Cameron Jones, Public Affairs Director of Abellio said:

 “Our immediate focus will be on improving reliability and customer service. We will improve ticket sales channels with new ticket machines, mobile ticketing, print at home and internet purchasing to help reduce queues. There will be new investment in car parks and cycle facilities at stations, additional staff will be deployed on the network, and all stations and trains will be deep cleaned.  Our aim is also to use this time to work closely with local stakeholders and Network Rail to prepare the way for the major investments needed to significantly enhance performance and the customer experience during the next 15 year franchise.”