First class could be axed on new Southeastern franchise

Trains on some of the busiest commuter routes into London could have no first class carriages, less seating and terminate at fewer major London stations next year.

A consultation has been launched by the Department for Transport on the parameters for the next operator of the Southeastern franchise when it comes up for renewal in 2018.

It will be the first since the government announced it will require operators and Network Rail to establish "integrated operating teams" to bring together rail services and infrastructure.

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However, the most eye-catching proposals in the document are those designed to increase capacity on key routes into London during peak times, which include forcing companies to remove first-class compartments, which the London Evening Standard says are popular with commuters from the likes of Sevenoaks and Tonbridge in Kent.

It also suggests investment into new rolling stock to create "metro-style" seating that is sideways facing. This effectively means less seating and much more room for standing.

Additionally, lines could be simplified to pack in more services, says the Standard, for example by insisting that "all Metro services on the north Kent, Greenwich and Bexleyheath Lines would only terminate at Cannon Street".

The Southeastern franchise is currently operated by Govia, which also runs Southern, which in January was voted the worst rail operator in the country. Southeastern was second-worst, with a satisfaction rating of 31 per cent.

A spokesman at Southeastern said: "We're focused on delivering our current franchise and will continue to invest over £70m in improvements in the areas that matter most to our passengers.

"Our recent National Rail Passenger Survey customer satisfaction scores have risen, reflecting that passengers are noticing the improvements being made; but we know there is still more work to do and we will continue to work with Network Rail to improve the experience passengers have when travelling with us."

The consultation is open for ten weeks and closes on 23 May.