Southern passengers to benefit from a share of £100m station improvement fund

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Train operator Southern has been awarded funding from the government’s £100m station improvement fund to introduce Smartcard technology across its network and in partnership with Network Rail, for improvements to Brighton station.

The £100m fund which was launched by Network Rail and the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) earlier this year called for bids from train operators across the country to fund projects such as car park improvements, station redevelopments and smart ticketing.

Southern and Network Rail bid successfully for funding to make improvements to the Victorian station at Brighton which will significantly improve the passenger experience there.

Full details of the improvements are yet to be announced, but are likely to include a brand new waiting facility; improved passenger information systems and major changes to provide better retail facilities.

Southern’s Development Director, Alex Foulds said:

“We are delighted to have been successful in our bid to secure funds to make meaningful improvements to Brighton station. I am sure that our passengers will benefit tremendously from the improvements we have in mind.”

The second successful bid for funds was secured to enable Southern to introduce Smartcard technology at a further 91 stations, enabling coverage across almost its entire network.

Alex Foulds said: “The award of this funding will enable us to introduce Smartcards well beyond our franchise commitment.

“We are required to introduce our card – ‘the key’ – to 54 stations, but now we will be able to add a further 91 stations to the total, almost all of our stations will benefit from this technology.”

Mark Ruddy, Network Rail’s Route Managing Director for Sussex, added:

“This new pot of money is available to provide better facilities for passengers. We are also mindful of the need to reduce the cost of running the railway, so all the schemes which qualify for this funding also have to offer a financial return to pay for themselves over time, helping reduce the burden on tax payers.

“It is great news that passengers in Brighton and across Sussex will be amongst the first to benefit from this extra investment.”

Southern is piloting the key in a three month trial between Brighton and Seaford this month with up to 100 passengers taking part. Once proven, the card will be rolled out across the rest of the network.

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