The Department for Transport (DfT) has started to talk to us about an extension of our current franchise. We’re discussing an initial extension of 5 periods from 23 June 2019 to 10 November 2019, with an option for up to a further 5 periods if required, which would take us to 1st April 2020.
This extension will allow the DfT more time to review and award a winner for the next South Eastern franchise.
With our franchise being extended, we’ll be carrying on with our investment and improvement plans to give our passengers the best possible service.
David Statham, Southeastern's Managing Director, said:
“We’re proud to have delivered significant investment and improvements in the railway for customers over the life of our franchise. We introduced the incredibly successful Highspeed service – Britain’s first - which slashed journey times between London and Kent, we’ve introduced more services and we’re pleased to have improved customer satisfaction and punctuality.
"We commenced a new Direct Award contract in 2014 and we haven’t stopped working hard to deliver even more for customers, including £70m in train and station refurbishments, smartcard tickets, and 5,000 extra seats.
“Our focus remains squarely on our customers, delivering more improvements and providing the best possible service.”
