TRAIN operator Greater Anglia has been short-listed for the Rail Operator of the Year award and the Technical Innovation award at the Rail Business Awards.

The nomination for Train Operator of the Year comes after the £40million invested in customer service improvements during its previous franchise, and the introduction of additional seats and refurbished trains, while highlights of the current franchise include more services and faster journey times.

The train operator has also been short-listed for the Technical Innovation award, with its partner, Cubic Transportation, for its trial of the “Next Agent” Virtual Ticket Office.

This combines a virtual walk-up ticket office, a ticket vending machine and a video-linked call centre.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London tomorrow.

Greater Anglia managing director Jamie Burles said: “I’m pleased to see the sustained focus on investment into the region’s train service and the commitment, and achievements, of our employees in raising service standards has been recognised.

"We know we have much more to do and we are committed to consistently improving train services for the customers and communities we serve.”