Southeastern passengers will be disappointed by cancellation of franchise competition

07 August 2019

Commenting on today’s Department for Transport’s decision to cancel the latest Southeastern rail franchise competition and extend the current operator’s franchise until April 2020 David Sidebottom, Transport Focus Director said: 

“Southeastern passengers will be disappointed to hear that the promise of improvements to their journeys have been put back again, and will expect greater progress to follow from the Williams Rail Review.

“Passengers told Transport Focus that they want to see improvements in more punctual, reliable services with enough room to sit and stand. Passengers also want the next franchise operator to deal with delays more effectively when things go wrong. 

“Passengers will now want a dependable plan, setting out exactly when they see the promised benefits.”