Update

Following a recent meeting with Abellio and a visit to Derby, you may be interested in the following highlights:

• New trains update: - 
• First two class 755 bi-modes now delivered to Norwich, with 20 expected by May.  A pair will be used for Norwich in 90 from May 2019 (extra services)
• First new class 745 for Stansted Express under test, should be delivered early 2019
• First new class 720 now built, second nearly ready, third being assembled, fourth just a construction kit,   In service autumn 2019.

• GA is still working to update its unreliable trains.  Particular issue with 321 Renatus units in the recent past, but now 25 out of 30 in service and reliability much improved.

• Smartcards now introduced for season tickets a month and over, but cardboard tickets can be requested.

• In January two new products launched (i) a Flex Carnet (ii) 26-30 Railcard

• Delay Repay 15 will be introduced early in 2019, with lawyers currently as franchise agreement needs changing.

• A passenger assistance App is being trialled

• All stations apart from the least used have now got ticket vending machines.

• Customer newsletters being issued by email and hard copy.

• Infrastructure being upgraded at Norwich and Ilford for new trains.   New depot to replace Brantham will be announced soon.

• Timetables will remain as they are (with tweeking) until May 2020.  Most changes delayed until then.  May change will be limited to the Norwich in 90 extra trains.

• Crossrail tunnels to GE main line will be opened between September and December 2019 depending on how testing goes.

• Changes taking place at Network Rail due to change of CEO.  Looks promising for improvements.

• Infrastructure improvements will be driven but the GE task force

• Beaulieu Park, the new station proposed north of Chelmsford, proceeding on the basis of a three platform layout.