SWT it may lose new franchise

South West Trains, which serves some of the busiest commuter routes in the country, could lose its proposed 15-year franchise because of continuing poor services, it was revealed today.

Passengers have complained of late, overcrowded and cancelled services.

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers said SWT is "not being operated as well as anybody would like. Its performance levels are not acceptable."

He said if the Strategic Rail Authority cannot negotiate a franchise renewal that puts the interests of the public first, it will be prepared to seek a new franchise operator.

His condemnation sent a shock wave through Stagecoach-owned SWT, which believed it had the franchise sewn up. SWT recently announced the completion of a £1 billion order for new trains.