(10-12-2007)

Felixstowe Line Joins Rail Partnership

Following three years of increased ridership, the East Suffolk Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) will now bring the Ipswich to Felixstowe line under its wing. The CRP, which is made up of representatives from National Express East Anglia, Suffolk County Council, Waveney and Suffolk Coastal District Councils, and members of the public, have worked to increase public awareness of the East Suffolk Line through several initiatives.

A seven-fold increase in the number of Lowestoft to London through train services in 2004, new Turbostar three-car trains operating those services, railway station adoptions by local residents, a programme of station-to-station walks, and a new line guide have all helped the East Suffolk Line see double digit increases in passenger numbers year on year.

The partnership will now extend to include the Felixstowe line, which runs from Ipswich station, to Westerfield, Derby Road station, Trimley, and on to Felixstowe. The East Suffolk Line (Ipswich to Lowestoft) and the Felixstowe Line will now collectively be known and promoted as "The East Suffolk Lines."

A two-car Class 156 train featuring the new East Suffolk Lines logo, and that of Suffolk County Council's "Get On Board" public transport awareness campaign, as well as new seat covers and table-top designs, was unveiled at Ipswich Station Monday 3rd December to celebrate the extended partnership.