The government has announced a shortlist of three companies in the running to take over the East Anglia rail franchise.

Current operators Abellio Greater Anglia could return in the form of Abellio East Anglia, which is a joint venture with Stagecoach.

The other two companies are First East Anglia and previous operators National Express East Anglia Trains.

Bidders will now work with the government to develop their ideas before an invitation to tender in August.

The companies will need to show how they can achieve the recommendations of the Great Eastern Main Line Taskforce, which includes reducing journey times to London.

Rail minister Claire Perry said: “We have ambitious plans for East Anglia’s rail network, and the successful bidder will be central to making these plans a reality.

“We want to find a partner who will help us meet the increasing demand for transport in the region by providing faster, more reliable journeys and better connections across the region and beyond.

“We are investing record amounts in building a world-class railway as part of our long-term economic plan, and I am determined that passengers in East Anglia will benefit.”

The new operator is due to take over the franchise in October 2016.

The East Anglia franchise carries 354,000 passengers a day on 5 routes across the region.

A public consultation on the future of rail services in East Anglia closed in March and the responses will be taken into account as the franchise proposals are developed further.