HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Bowker Welcomes Huge South Central Trains Order [March 2002]

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 11 March 2002.

Today’s announcement of GoVia’s order of a further 460 vehicles for its South Central franchise has been welcomed by SRA Chairman Richard Bowker. The number of new vehicles on order for South Central now totals 700.

Speaking at the press launch in London today, he said:

“This £850million deal shows the willingness and commitment of the private sector to invest in the railway. We have worked closely with GoVia on the arrangements, which are geared to meet the huge challenge of eliminating Mark 1 ‘slam door’ stock on this franchise by the end of 2004. The scale of the order will also enable South Central to use 100 vehicles specifically for lengthening trains, helping to achieve our strategic aim of reducing overcrowding on the intensive London commuting networks.

“The deals are now in place for Mark 1 replacement on South West Trains and South Central, and we expect an announcement on Connex South Eastern replacements in the near future. The SRA will be working closely with the operators and Railtrack to ensure effective operational transition of the new rolling stock.”