The company which runs trains through Suffolk and Essex into London has been named the "best operator" in the rail industry's awards.
First Great Eastern was praised in the National Rail Awards for punctuality, reliability and customer service.
Dave Kaye, First Great Eastern's managing director, said: "This is a tremendous honour for everyone who works for First Great Eastern and is down to the efforts of every member of staff.
"This is the most valued of all the railway industry awards - the hardest to win and the one that every train operator strives for."
But the company has not been allowed to bid for the new franchise in East Anglia following a decision by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA).
SRA said First Great Eastern had been left off the franchise's shortlist because its bid had not been as good as those submitted by Arriva Trains, GB Railways and National Express.
The decision upset FirstGroup, which has been running bus services in Essex, Norfolk and Northamptonshire and Essex rail commuter services for six years.
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