NEWCASTLE bus and train giant Go-Ahead has been shortlisted to run the Greater Anglia Rail franchise.

The group, which earlier this month won an extension of its Southeastern franchise until 2014, is in competition with Dutch group NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen and Stagecoach for the contract.

Keith Ludeman, Go-Ahead chief executive, said: “This is good news for us. Greater Anglia is an excellent fit with our existing rail portfolio of Southern, Southeastern and London Midland.

“Our strong focus on commuter rail operations, together with our experience of improving performance and service quality for passengers, as well as our advanced plans for preparing for the Olympic Games through our work at Southeastern and our London bus operations, mean we are well-placed to develop a compelling bid for this 18-month contract.

“Our solid relationships with key industry stakeholders mean we are also in a strong position to develop plans for the longer-term franchise which will incorporate industry reform and cost reduction. We have an experienced and successful franchise bid team at Go-Ahead and are looking forward to the competition.”

National Express currently holds the contract, which ends in February next year.

Go-Ahead employs 22,000 people and is also one of the UK’s biggest bus companies.

It runs its rail interests in a joint venture with French company Keolis, which has been shortlisted to run the Intercity West Coast franchise along with Nv Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Firstgroup, SNCF and Virgin.