 The company hopes to improve commuter services |
Rail travel must be improved when the South East's new train operator takes control of the region's rail network on Saturday, says Kent County Council. New firm Govia is being urged to ease overcrowding, as government figures show two of Kent's commuter services are among the worst in the country.
"Commuters have put up with it for too long and we will be looking to Govia to ease congestion," the council said.
The firm is also taking control of East Sussex rail services.
Single operation
In a statement Govia trains said: "We are keen to get a true picture of the passenger numbers early.
"This will enable us to manage those trains by, for example, increasing the number of carriages where we are able."
The new franchise is called Southeastern and will bring the region's existing rail networks under one operation.
In June 2003, Connex lost its franchise following a Stategic Rail Authority announcement that it failed to meet a detailed programme of improvements on its London and South East England routes.
Since then South Eastern Trains has significantly improved punctuality.
Dame Kelly Holmes will be supporting Govia's official launch on Monday.
She will travel from her home town of Tonbridge to Charing Cross station in London for the main launch event.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
