Infrastructure investment in Ely and Haughley is required to improve frequency and reliability of train services.
These new trains helped us improve. We became the most punctual UK operator, starting in April 2023. Our punctuality averaged over 94% for Greater Anglia overall. Some local routes scored between 95% and 98%, covering Norfolk and Suffolk.
We still need to improve. Current passengers want more reliability, and new passengers want more frequent trains, plus more convenient options.
Key improvements require infrastructure investment. Specifically, the Ely area and Haughley Junction in Suffolk both need network upgrades. Haughley Junction is where routes diverge, connecting Cambridge and Peterborough to the Great Eastern Main Line, which runs between London and Norwich.
These projects are very vital, letting us double train frequency. This applies to Norwich to Cambridge, Ipswich to Peterborough, and Ipswich to Cambridge.
These upgrades help passengers significantly. Many more containers can travel by train to and from Felixstowe port. The upgrades also remove lorries from the A14.
The investment benefits freight customers directly, extending beyond passengers. The regional economy will also receive support. Upgrades will reduce traffic and improve journeys on the A14 and A11.
The upgrades are environmentally friendly, too. They cut carbon emissions and speed up our net-zero progression. This benefits everyone involved.
The wider region can grow and benefit from Cambridge’s growth. The East West Railway between Cambridge and Oxford will also help.
The investment makes strong financial sense. Every £1 spent yields almost £5 in benefits, making it among the best value rail projects across the entire UK network.
The Midlands and North will also benefit, as Felixstowe freight often starts or ends there. The UK will see gains, helping our region contribute fairly to the UK economy.
Ely and Haughley schemes have support from all sectors, including politics and business. Public and private support exists. The upgrades help our region and benefit the whole country.
They enable growth and clean energy, increasing access to opportunities. They allow better train services. We made service upgrades, prompting more people to use the trains.
The government faces tough choices. Infrastructure investment is very positive and vital for our region’s future. It also provides UK-wide benefits.
We are ready to improve train service quickly. We need approval and funding for the upgrades. They must be in the Spending Review and delivered as soon as possible.
Ultimately, we all would benefit from these improvements.