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Commuter rail franchise to go to safest bidder
Dick Murray, Transport Editor22.05.08
One of London's biggest rail franchises went out to tender today with train bosses told to come up with dramatic improvements in order to win the right to run services from Victoria.
The South Central franchise, which carries 100,000 passengers every day, includes commuter routes in south London, the lines to Brighton and will also include the Gatwick Express service when the new operation starts.
Current owners, Govia, will fight hard to retain the franchise but will face tough competition from rival groups likely to include the MTR Corporationof Hong Kong and Danish State Railways.
Inspired by two Evening Standard campaigns - Safer Stations and A Seat For Every Commuter - bidders have been told they must make travel safer, with staffing hours extended at 50 stations and improved CCTV across the franchise and they must also increase capacity by 25 per cent.
They have been told that annual fare increases must be limited to inflation plus one per cent for the life of the eight-year franchise which begins in December next year.
The new contracts also require the new owner to help with the construction of the East London line into south London and the £5.5 billion Thameslink programme.
Rail minister Tom Harris said: "I expect the winner to help deliver major projects in London that will benefit passengers for years to come."
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Reader views (3)
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With oil going north towards $200 its not routemaster buses but Q1 Trolleybuses that London needs.
As for this franchise hopefully plans to remove any non-electrified sections will be included as this franchise should be all electric.
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
OK that's great for some of the railways. Now what we want is the end to bendy buses and for Boris to carry his pledge to make a new Routemaster. What HAVE we done by electing him! Elected a Mayor who has already renedged on a promise 3 weeks on. Come on Boris, do what you promised and give what the Capital needs. Conducters on buses!
- Rod, Westmister, UK
If this franchise is good enough for Danish State Railways to bid for, why is it not be good enough for a British State Railway to bid for.
- Gerry, Chatham KENT UK
