
New Alstom EMUs: Nos 720552/553 work the 19.52 Ipswich to Liverpool Street approaching Manningtree North Junction at Cattawade on 1 June 2021.
Jamie Squibbs
Greater Anglia was already facing a significant challenge before the pandemic – replacing its entire train fleet, probably the largest such transition ever seen in the region. Set the pandemic on top of that, and continuing to raise performance standards was bound to be challenging.
Yet the operator has shown consistent improvement. At the 2020 Golden Whistles it picked up Silver awards for most improved performance in both the Long Distance and London and South East categories. This year it won Silver again for its London and South East services, but for Long Distance went one better by winning Gold for best in class.
OPPORTUNITY
While the Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating for so many, every crisis presents opportunities, and this one was no different.