Train company plans to replace old rolling stock

Some trains operating on the Metro routes are over 30 years old

A rail operator in south-east England has unveiled plans for newer trains to replace rolling stock that is over 30 years old.

Southeastern wants new trains to operate on its Metro network linking London to Dartford, Gravesend, Gillingham, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.

The current trains provide more than 900 services for tens of thousands of journeys every day between Kent and London.

Some newer trains have already began operating on the routes.

The rail firm says that Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler have been shortlisted to provide the new trains.

Steve White, managing director of Southeastern, said: “As part of our commitment to building a better, more reliable and sustainable railway we are pushing forward with our plans to develop our Metro operation into a high-performing railway.

“We are working at pace, with our partners at Network Rail, to improve performance, expand our timetable, enhance our stations and increase staffing levels.

"The final piece of the jigsaw will be the replacement of our aging Metro fleet.”

Rail Minister Huw Merriman says he hopes "millions" of passengers can benefit for "generations" because of the new trains

Southeastern says that improvements could include brighter and more spacious interiors, air conditioning, toilets and level boarding.

Upgrades to trains on the main line and high speed fleets have already been completed.

The Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, said: “This is great news for the rail manufacturing industry.

“Modernising rolling stock is crucial to delivering a sustainable, reliable and growing rail network, encouraging more people to travel by train, and I’m pleased millions of passengers will be able to benefit from this investment for generations to come.”

Southeastern says that it has set the bidders challenging to come up with plans as soon as possible.

A new timetable across the rail industry will come into force 2 June.