HAS HIGH-SPEED HELPED KENT?

THEO STEEL ASKS IF SOUTHEASTERN’S JAVELIN SERVICE HAS INCREASED PASSENGER NUMBERS

High-speed in Kent: Javelin unit No 395016 passes Saltwood Junction forming the 11.37 St Pancras to St Pancras ‘rounder’ service via the Kent coast on 14 February 2019. Great Northern Class 717s can be seen stored alongside in Dollands Moor Yard. ANTONY GUPPY

The South Eastern franchise has always been a particular challenge to bid, with the effect of the Javelin service to factor in from 2009 and now the effect of Crossrail when it eventually opens. It is very heavily commuter dominated and the rail market share is quite high so opportunities for growth are not as great as in other franchises.

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