National Express and Suffolk County Council unveil a new promotional train

National Express Group’s National Express and Suffolk County Council are teaming up with the East Suffolk Community Rail Partnership for a double celebration at Ipswich station on Monday 3rd December.

The East Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (CRP) was launched in 2004 to promote the East Suffolk line between Ipswich and Lowestoft. The Partnership, which includes train operator National Express, Suffolk County Council, district councils, tourist attractions and other partners has successfully raised the profile of the route and encouraged more passengers to use the train. National Express and Suffolk County Council are now set to build on that success by embracing the Ipswich to Felixstowe line which will join the East Suffolk line CRP (from the start of the winter timetable on 9th December) and benefit from the enhanced local marketing and promotional activity that the partnership has quickly developed.

To celebrate the extended Partnership and to promote Suffolk County Council’s ‘Get on Board’ travel initiative, a Class 156 two-carriage local train is to be unveiled at Ipswich station at 12.00 on Monday 3rd December by Councillor Guy McGregor, Portfolio Holder for Roads & Transport. The train will feature Suffolk’s ‘Get on Board’ and the East Suffolk CRP brand, logos and website addresses, and will operate on many routes in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex to further promote the East Suffolk line and Suffolk County Council’s commitment to sustainable transport.

The train also features new seat covers and table top designs promoting the East Suffolk line Partnership. Following the unveiling, the ‘Get on Board’ train will operate the 12.27 Ipswich to Felixstowe service where it will be met by local stakeholders at 12.55, including the Mayor of Felixstowe, Councillor Joan Sennington and representatives of the East Suffolk (Felixstowe) Travellers’ Association.

Councillor Guy McGregor, Portfolio Holder for Roads & Transport, Suffolk County Council said: “My ambition is to promote accessibility for all by enhancing transport infrastructure and services in Suffolk. As chair of the local regional transport forum and portfolio holder for transport at Suffolk County Council I am dedicated to do all I can to make this happen. I hope that this new link will bring great benefits to all that will use it.”

Clive Morris, Business Director Rural for National Express said: “The establishment of the East Suffolk line CRP has helped to further raise the profile of the Ipswich to Lowestoft line, increasing passenger numbers and encouraging community involvement at all stations. Extending the CRP to include the Felixstowe line is a logical and welcome step and we look forward to working with our partners including the County Council to make the extended partnership a success.”

John Brodribb, Chairman of the East Suffolk Community Rail Partnership said:

“The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership has been working since 2004 to promote the Lowestoft to Ipswich rail line. In that time it has been able to improve the appearance of stations by supporting local station adopters, as well as promoting its award-winning walks project. I'm delighted that the Felixstowe branch will be coming on board with the new timetable in December, and that we will be able to promote both lines with the specially branded train. The East Suffolk Lines are well worth a look - do come and try them for yourself.”