THE three train companies listed to take on the current Abellio Greater Anglia train service have been announced by the government.

The bidders, who’ve all passed the pre-qualification stage to run the East Anglia rail franchise, are: Abellio East Anglia Limited – a joint venture between Abellio and Stagecoach, First East Anglia Limited and National Express East Anglia Trains Limited.

All three will now be asked to show how they will improve the region’s railways; including providing reduced journey times to London, more reliable services, and better connections.

The East Anglia line serves London Liverpool Street from the likes of Chelmsford, Brentwood, Southend and Colchester.

They will also be expected to show how they could achieve the recommendations of the Great Eastern Main Line Taskforce, which includes reducing London to Norwich journey times to 90 minutes.

Rail minister Claire Perry said: “We have ambitious plans for East Anglia’s rail network, and the successful bidder will be central to making these plans a reality.

She added: “We are investing record amounts in building a world-class railway as part of our long-term economic plan, and I am determined that passengers in East Anglia will benefit.”

The new operator is due to take over the franchise in October 2016.