First Class To Be Abolished On South Eastern Routes In Next Franchise
Rail Express|January 2018

New trains will have more standing room and be capable of driver-only operation.

First Class To Be Abolished On South Eastern Routes In Next Franchise

A NEW South Eastern franchise will start on April 1, 2019, and the Department for Transport has decided that the successful bidder will be required to declassify First Class accommodation by December 2020. It was acknowledged in the consultation process that there continued to be demand for premium travel, but this has been outweighed by the need to maximise space available for all passengers.

The decision will not be welcomed by the Kent coastal resorts, which are seeking to regenerate towns by offering an attractive rail service that will appeal to all sections of the market.

The Invitation To Tender (ITT) was issued on November 29 to the three qualified bidders, Govia (the current operator), Stagecoach, and Abellio in partnership with the East Japan Railway and Mitsui. Trenitalia had previously withdrawn from the competition. Bids must be submitted by March 14, 2018.

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