Menu
09/06/2009
Improved Stations And Better Security For Train Services Announced
Passengers in London and the South East can look forward to more frequent rail services, improved stations, more staff and better security, Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said today as he awarded the South Central rail franchise to Southern Railways Ltd., a subsidiary of Govia Ltd - the current franchise operator.
The new franchise, which starts on 20 September this year, requires the new operator to introduce longer suburban trains at peak times and more trains on key lines during evenings and weekends. Passengers will also be able to travel more safely on the network thanks to a significant increase in the number of stations staffed at night and the introduction of CCTV on all trains.
Andrew Adonis said: "This new franchise provides more regular trains, more services at busy times and more station and train security for passengers across London and the South East. It will greatly improve the quality of service and give passengers better value for money.
"We have worked closely with rail user groups such as Passenger Focus to ensure that this new franchise works for passengers. We have had four candidates entering bids for the franchise, showing that there is still a strong level of interest from private firms in running rail services."
Under the new franchise agreement, all stations and trains on the South Central network will be fitted with CCTV by June 2011 and all stations across the franchise will be required to maintain or increase the presence of customer-facing staff, leading to a safer and improved passenger-friendly experience.
In addition, new ticket gates will be installed at 22 stations (on top of the 14 South London stations being gated prior to the franchise commencement) and almost all South London stations will be staffed from the first to last service of the day.
The franchise will also deliver at least 1,000 extra car parking spaces and 1,500 additional secure bicycle spaces. Every station across the network will be cleaned and refreshed, while there will also be enhancements to 34 stations in the region, including major refurbishments at Brighton, Haywards Heath, Hove, Lewes, Redhill, Three Bridges and Worthing.
(JM/KMcA)
The new franchise, which starts on 20 September this year, requires the new operator to introduce longer suburban trains at peak times and more trains on key lines during evenings and weekends. Passengers will also be able to travel more safely on the network thanks to a significant increase in the number of stations staffed at night and the introduction of CCTV on all trains.
Andrew Adonis said: "This new franchise provides more regular trains, more services at busy times and more station and train security for passengers across London and the South East. It will greatly improve the quality of service and give passengers better value for money.
"We have worked closely with rail user groups such as Passenger Focus to ensure that this new franchise works for passengers. We have had four candidates entering bids for the franchise, showing that there is still a strong level of interest from private firms in running rail services."
Under the new franchise agreement, all stations and trains on the South Central network will be fitted with CCTV by June 2011 and all stations across the franchise will be required to maintain or increase the presence of customer-facing staff, leading to a safer and improved passenger-friendly experience.
In addition, new ticket gates will be installed at 22 stations (on top of the 14 South London stations being gated prior to the franchise commencement) and almost all South London stations will be staffed from the first to last service of the day.
The franchise will also deliver at least 1,000 extra car parking spaces and 1,500 additional secure bicycle spaces. Every station across the network will be cleaned and refreshed, while there will also be enhancements to 34 stations in the region, including major refurbishments at Brighton, Haywards Heath, Hove, Lewes, Redhill, Three Bridges and Worthing.
(JM/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 January 2012
Over 28,000 Extra Train Seats Agreed
An extra 28,000 train seats between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow could be made available daily, according to the Government's latest tender.
Over 28,000 Extra Train Seats Agreed
An extra 28,000 train seats between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow could be made available daily, according to the Government's latest tender.
22 September 2006
Stagecoach wins South Western Trains franchise
Stagecoach has been awarded a new contract to run the South Western franchise from February 4, 2007 for ten years, the Department of Transport has announced. The South Western franchise comprises services currently operated by South West Trains, including key commuter routes into London and the Island Line on the Isle Of Wight.
Stagecoach wins South Western Trains franchise
Stagecoach has been awarded a new contract to run the South Western franchise from February 4, 2007 for ten years, the Department of Transport has announced. The South Western franchise comprises services currently operated by South West Trains, including key commuter routes into London and the Island Line on the Isle Of Wight.
06 February 2009
Access Improvements Set For Hundreds Of Stations
Elderly and disabled passengers will benefit from safer and more accessible railway stations thanks to a multi-million pound Government cash boost, Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced. A total of 523 stations across England and Wales will be upgraded thanks to £37 million of funding, which includes a £6.
Access Improvements Set For Hundreds Of Stations
Elderly and disabled passengers will benefit from safer and more accessible railway stations thanks to a multi-million pound Government cash boost, Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced. A total of 523 stations across England and Wales will be upgraded thanks to £37 million of funding, which includes a £6.
22 March 2005
GNER announces £1billion rail deal
Train operator GNER has announced that it is to operate a new ten-year franchise on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh. GNER, which has operated the East Coast franchise since 1996, will pay over £1.
GNER announces £1billion rail deal
Train operator GNER has announced that it is to operate a new ten-year franchise on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh. GNER, which has operated the East Coast franchise since 1996, will pay over £1.
19 June 2014
Virgin Wins Announces West Coast Franchise
Virgin Trains and the Department for Transport have signed a new deal guaranteeing big improvements for both passengers and taxpayers. The new West Coast franchise will run until March 2017 and will see significant improvements for customers with the introduction of free superfast WiFi, more seats and new services.
Virgin Wins Announces West Coast Franchise
Virgin Trains and the Department for Transport have signed a new deal guaranteeing big improvements for both passengers and taxpayers. The new West Coast franchise will run until March 2017 and will see significant improvements for customers with the introduction of free superfast WiFi, more seats and new services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
