Go-Ahead wins extension to Southeastern rail deal
Bus and rail group Go-Ahead has won an extension to its contract to run trains in south-east England until June 2018.
Go-Ahead Group
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16:34 07/10/22
Go-Ahead, which runs the Southeastern, Southern and London Midland franchises, said the Department for Transport had handed it an uncontested "direct award" contract extension between 12 October this year and 24 June 2018.
As part of the deal, Go-Ahead has pledged to introduce a new timetable with more regional services on the high speed line between London and the Channel Tunnel.
It will also launch new fast or direct services between London and several Kent towns as well as hiring 75 more staff, introducing more cut-price off-peak fares and improving passenger information.
Go-Ahead has already won the contract to run the expanded Thameslink franchise from later this year, which will incorporate the current Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern franchises.
Chief executive David Brown said the next three years would be tough due to big service changes as a result of work to redevelop London Bridge station and provide extra track space for more trains.
"This work is vital to enhance connections across London and is part of the £6.5 billion government-sponsored Thameslink Programme. The changes to the 2015 timetable will help customers make the journeys they need to throughout the duration of these works," he said.