• Train companies announce they will cover the cost of train tickets for anyone travelling to refuge accommodation while coronavirus lockdown measures are in force, in a joint initiative with Women’s Aid.
• Announcement comes in response to campaigners reporting an increase in domestic violence reports since coronavirus lockdown measures came into force.
• The industry-wide scheme follows the successful launch of a similar initiative by Southeastern prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

Kent residents are being reminded to avoid unnecessary travel to coastal areas and other popular open spaces this weekend as efforts continue to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Southeastern today confirms that the Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded a Direct Award Contract to Govia (a subsidiary of the Go Ahead Group (65%) and Keolis (35%)) to continue operating the Southeastern franchise.

• Reduced Southeastern timetable will be introduced from Monday 23 March
• All stations will remain open to allow key workers to make essential journeys
• Please follow the government advice, and only travel if your journey is absolutely essential

• Network Rail and Southeastern launch landmark day for women in UK rail
• All female train crew and signallers team up in commuter first
• Network Rail to increase female workforce by 50% by 2024
• Southeastern reveals one in five staff are women following pledge to increase diversity

Women fleeing domestic abuse can now apply for free train travel to refuge accommodation, through Women’s Aid’s new ‘rail to refuge’ scheme, supported by Southeastern and Great Western Railway.

Today, Southeastern has surprised passengers travelling on its network by changing London St Pancras to ‘London St Pancake’ on all display screens to celebrate the day.

• 81% of Southeastern passengers are satisfied with their journeys according to National Rail Passenger Survey results for Autumn 2019
• 3% year-on-year increase gives highest Autumn result since 2013
• Significant increases in satisfaction with punctuality, helpfulness of staff and cycle parking

Southeastern has made two senior appointments to its Executive Board.

• Shorter journeys and better connections on many Highspeed and Mainline services
• More boarding time at some stations to accommodate passenger growth
• Changes to rolling stock and train lengths to improve accessibility and make best use of capacity available