The Government today awarded Go-Ahead the right to run the packed Southeastern commuter line for another four years.
This comes despite the rail minister admitting “passengers haven’t always received the service that they deserve” from the transport giant.
Customer satisfaction with the London-to-Kent trains service was found to be at the lowest level in almost a decade this summer, according to the National Rail Passenger Survey.
But rail minister Claire Perry said Go-Ahead will continue running the service until June 2018, provided it puts on 95,000 more seats, including 1000 on the high-speed Javelin service, and better ticketing.
“I know passengers on this route haven’t always received the service that they deserve, which is why I am absolutely determined that today marks a fresh start for the Southeastern franchise,” Perry said.
Go-Ahead promised new digital display screens at stations, more tablet-wielding staff passing on service updates, more CCTV and redecorated toilets.
