Chance to have say over hopes for the future of rail franchise

Business Editor The government has launched a consultation on what it wants from the next rail operator to take the Southeastern franchise covering most of Kent.

Ministers are inviting the public to share their views on their hopes for the next train company running services across the county.

The contract for the present operator, Southeastern, is scheduled to end in June 2018 but the Department for Transport 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 – involving the rebuilding of London Bridge station – and work on the Crossrail scheme.

Southeastern 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.

The government’s ambitions for the next operator include:

Running longer trains and upgrading or replacing older trains Increasing reliability and reducing delays Improving compensations arrangements with a simple automated system Introduction of a smarter payment system, including mobile phones Improving customer service 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 both ticket buying and compen- sation if things do go wrong.”

Kent County Council transport chief Cllr Matthew Balfour said: “We welcome this consultation by DFT and would encourage everyone who uses the rail service in Kent to take part.

“This consultation will help Kent County Council to ensure the best rail service for all passengers using the new franchise.”

Medway Council’s front line services chief Cllr Phil Filmer said: “Southeastern is a major transport provider for Medway and thousands of our residents use the service every day.

“It’s therefore important that people living in Medway have their say on how their journeys could be improved and what sort of changes they’d like to see.”

The consultation will run for 10 weeks and closes on Tuesday, May 23.