Date: 04/02/2016

FirstGroup and Stagecoach have been shortlisted for the next South Western franchise. The franchise, which begins in June 2017, includes services operated out of London Waterloo to Reading, Bristol, Exeter, Weymouth and Portsmouth. The franchise also cover the Island Line on the Isle of Wight. Rail Minister Claire Perry said: The South Western franchise has some of the busiest routes in the country, serving a diverse range of passengers and places. It is vital that we have the best partner to help us meet the challenge of delivering better journeys for all customers using these services. We are investing in additional capacity, and have ambitious plans for smart ticketing, customer service and improved connectivity across the South Western network, to give passengers real benefits across the region and beyond. [From Richard Buckby]

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Related images

Ten cars of South West Trains class 444 stock head South at Eastleigh on the through lines in August 2013.
Location: Eastleigh
Company: London and South Western Railway
01/08/2013 Ken Strachan

Pre-rush hour line up of SWT 444 and 450 stock in the depot sidings at Clapham Junction. These sidings sit between the Richmond and Wimbledon line platforms. Serving both Waterloo and Victoria termini, the number of trains moving through Clapham Junction at any given time has to be seen to be believed.
Location: Clapham Junction
Company: Richmond Railway
16/01/2009 Mark Bartlett

Looking over the terminus at Portsmouth Harbour on 18 October from the 2nd floor of the Spinnaker Tower.
Location: Portsmouth Harbour
Company: Portsmouth Harbour Extension (London, Brighton and South Coast Railway and London and South Western Railway Joint)
18/10/2013 Peter Todd