• more Sunday services across the network, with many routes having the equivalent of a Saturday service after 1.00pm
The government is supporting record investment in rail that will not only deliver new world-class infrastructure but will create thousands of jobs opportunities across the country. The government is committed to creating 30,000 apprenticeships in the road and rail sector by 2020 and the new franchise will also see First MTR South Western Trains Limited offer more than 100 apprenticeships each year helping boost skills and jobs.
The new contract will see passengers provided with better information throughout their journey, on-board trains, on platforms and through a new mobile phone app, including live information on seating availability and crowding levels, so that passengers know the best place to stand to board the train.
The new contract will also see:
• investment to make Southampton Central station a destination fit for the community it serves, with:
• a new look entrance
• improved retail
• better facilities for passengers
• new delay repay compensation, including for delays of 15 minutes or more, and with automatic claims for smart card season tickets and advance purchased tickets bought in advance through their digital channels
• free wifi at all stations and on-board mainland trains
• investment in station improvements including:
• refurbished waiting rooms
additional seating
• improvements for step-free access
• 60 electric vehicle charging points
• new smart card, automatically offering the cheapest walk-up single or day return fare
• new flexible season tickets, offering a discount for passengers travelling fewer than 5 days a week
• season, single and return tickets on smart cards across all of the franchise
• new discount for purchasing 12 consecutive monthly season tickets
• new student connect smart ticket for 16 to18 year-olds, offering one-third off weekly or longer tickets, and further term-time discounts for under 16s
• mobile phone barcode tickets will be available on the network for the first time
• better connections for the Island Line, and work with the Isle of Wight Council and other local bodies to develop a business plan and option for a more sustainable long-term future
• at least 1,500 new car park spaces
• over 40% reduction in energy use at stations and depots
FirstGroup Chief Executive Tim O’Toole said: "We are delighted that our partnership with MTR has been selected by the DfT to run the South Western rail franchise, a key part of the country’s railway network which millions of people rely on every day. Our successful bid will deliver the tangible improvements that customers and stakeholders have told us they want from this franchise. Passengers can look forward to new and better trains, more seats and services, quicker journey times, improved stations and more flexible fare options."