GB Railways won the franchise because it offered to operate the franchise for the lowest subsidy. It also made a commitment to increase mainline services, which until then operated hourly between London and Norwich, to half hourly. The half hourly service to Norwich was introduced in 2000. GB Railways ordered a fleet of Class 170 trains, although the services were operated initially using leased Class 317 trains because the manufacturer delivered the new trains late. Use of diesel multiple unit train also allowed the company to introduce direct services to London from towns off the electrified main line, including Sheringham, Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. It also introduced an experimental service outside of the territory inherited with the franchise. The service was called "London Crossli