South Eastern franchise

railway franchise in the UK

The South Eastern franchise, also known as the Integrated Kent franchise, is a railway franchise for providing passenger services between London and Kent in South East England.

History change

 
Connex South Eastern 465020 at Waterloo East in January 2003
 
Southeastern (Govia) 375708 at Ashford International in June 2011

1996: Connex South Eastern change

Connex South Eastern began operating the franchise on 13 October 1996

On 8 November 2003, Its services were stopped because of money problems and using old trains instead of buying new ones.[1]

2003: South Eastern Trains change

On 9 November 2003, South Eastern Trains, took over the franchise for 18 months. It took on all of the trains and the Connex staff.

2006: Southeastern (Govia) change

In November 2005, Southeastern took over the franchise. It took on all of the trains.

In October 2021, Its services were stopped because it kept £25 million instead of paying it back to Department for Transport.[2]

2021: Southeastern (DfT) change

On 17 October 2021, Southeastern took over the franchise. It took on all of the trains and staff. They had also kept the same name and same logos.

References change

  1. "Connex loses rail franchise", BBC News Online, London, 24 October 2000.
  2. Topham, Gwyn; Kollewe, Julia (28 September 2021). "Government to take over Southeastern after 'serious' breach of franchise". the Guardian. Retrieved 2 August 2022.