Kentish Express Ashford & District
Chance to have say over hopes for the future of rail franchise
Ashford commuters could get more seats on high speed trains, better links to surrounding towns and even a new payment system.
The government has launched a consultation asking passengers what they want from the new rail operator due to take over the county’s rail services.
Currently most areas in Kent are serviced by Southeastern, but their contract is due to run out at the end of next year.
Now the public are being asked to have their say on what they hope the next train company will provide to improve services and cope with increasing demand.
Southeastern’s contract is scheduled to end in June 2018, although the Department for Transport (DfT) has proposed giving the firm an extension until December 2018.
This is to minimise disruption as the train network gets to grips with the £6 billion Thameslink programme, which involves re-building London Bridge station and work on the Crossrail scheme.
Southeastern, which has been the operator for most of Kent since 2006, was awarded a new franchise in September 2014 partly on the condition that it met tougher targets for services.
It handles 640,000 passenger journeys on 1,900 train services every weekday.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Passengers on a new franchise from 2018 will enjoy modern trains with more space and a more punctual and reliable service.
“This consultation sets out what we expect the next operator to deliver for passengers, including working more closely with Network Rail to ensure a focus on performance, and innovative use of technology to improve