Govia win new rail franchise to serve Folkestone

11.22.59am GMT Wed 30th Nov 2005

Train operator Govia has been given an eight-year franchise to run services across Kent and in parts of Sussex. The franchise includes running domestic Channel Tunnel Rail Link services. Govia, which also runs rail firm Southern, will take over from South Eastern Trains which was set up in 2003 after Connex lost its franchise.

The company promises to invest £76m in passenger and staff facilities, and build two new depots in Ashford and Ramsgate - but fares will increase. Ticket prices are expected to rise by 3% above inflation.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Tom Brake MP said:

"Political dogma has dictated that the public sector after successfully running this franchise, following the failure of Connex, could not continue to do so.

"This is a missed opportunity to allow healthy competition between the public and private sectors, a mixed economy and real choice in who provides rail services."