We were excited to be part of the Southeastern Stakeholder Forum on Friday 10th March at London Bridge.
Southeastern’s senior management team lead by Managing Director, Steve White gave a candid account of the challenging context in which Southeastern is currently operating. Southeastern’s pride in their people shone through as they set out their plan to create a Southeastern to be proud of.
Covid has seen a dramatic change in travel habits, with far fewer people commuting the traditional five days a week. Customers would like to see pre-Covid levels of service frequency, at lower prices and with better customer care. The rail industry continues to make its case for Government funding against a background of inflationary pressures and spending cuts.
There will be new initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour and fare evasion, improved digital ticketing options to make travel easier and more online journey information. Increased real-time journey information, coupled with inclusive practices will give disabled people greater confidence when they travel.
Modern trains, improved infrastructure, simpler timetables and well trained teams will work together to improve reliability and reduce operating costs. The May-September period sees more people travelling for leisure, there will be more services to meet seasonal demand.
Network Rail will continue to work closely with Southeastern to invest in delivery of a safe, efficient and well operating railway.
The Great British Railways Transition Team is drawing on expertise from within and outside the rail industry to deliver the recommendations of the Williams-Shapps Rail Review including 21st Century ticketing options and improved accessibility aimed at giving travellers a easy and trustworthy experience backed by a long-term rail strategy.
Southeastern also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Community Rail Partnerships, demonstrated by inviting us to present on our own work over the last twelve months.
We were proud to share our achievements, made possible by the stakeholders, partners and volunteers that contribute their time and skills to our projects – Thank you all for your dedication.
