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Thursday 13 May 2004

ON THE BUSES…NETWORK RAIL CHOOSES FIRST GROUP FOR EIGHT-WEEK BUS CONTRACT

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail has chosen First Group to provide alternative bus and coach services between Ipswich and Manningtree during the eight-week Ipswich tunnel closure (11 July – 5 September). The contract, managed by ‘one’, will run direct bus and coach services from Ipswich, Stowmarket, Felixstowe and Woodbridge to Manningtree train station.             Mark Livock, Network Rail Project Director said: “We are delighted to have First on board and we believe they will deliver a first class service for passengers during the Ipswich tunnel closure.  Passengers’ journey times will increase, but knowing there is a reliable bus and coach service at affected train stations will help the process to run as smoothly as possible.” Leon Daniels, First’s Divisional Director responsible for the team delivering the replacement bus and coach service commented:  “Our business is to ensure the operation of a quality service in a professional manner. With a reliable and clean fleet of buses and coaches, First will help to reduce the inconvenience East Anglian rail commuters will feel this summer.”             Commuters are encouraged to use the free car parks at Ipswich and Stowmarket and to utilise the replacement bus and coach service.  More than 30 coaches and buses will be ready and waiting to transport passengers without delay.