Stagecoach has run the South West network since it was privatised 20 years ago; some analysts believe that it was deliberately cautious in its tender because of its experience with passenger numbers on the East Coast Mainline ReutersOne of the enduring fixtures of the privatised rail industry, Stagecoach’s operation of South West Trains, is to end. Instead, services in and out of London Waterloo are to be run by a joint venture between FirstGroup and the Hong Kong Chinese company MTR. Commuters are being promised 90 brand new trains on South West and 30 per cent more seats during the peak, increased frequencies to and from the south coast, better wifi and automatic “delay-repay” for season-ticket holders and journeys bought on smartcards when services are late. Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, said: “This franchise will deliver real changes for passengers who can look forward to modern trains, faster journeys and a more reliable service.”From August the Department for Transport is handing…

Source: The Times March 27, 2017 10:52 UTC