Southern Railways receives £80m govt boost

Date: 29/12/2011

More than £80 million is being provided to Southern Railways by the government to enable the firm to build new railway carriages.

In total, 130 coaches will be constructed by manufacturer Bombardier as part of a £188 million deal.

The carriages will come into service in December 2013 and this is expected to ease congestion for passengers using Southern Railways in South London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening described it as "great news" for rail passengers and Bombardier.

She added: "This deal, helped along by my department, shows my determination to invest in Britain's railways: our support for Southern will boost capacity while helping British jobs."

The job was awarded to Bombardier following a procurement process by Southern Railways.

Earlier this month, Public Transport Campaigner at Campaign for Better Transport Sophie Allain claimed the UK needs a rail network that provides good value for money if it is to meet its environmental and emissions targets, as fares are currently too expensive.

Posted by Mary Treen