The Transport and Place Scrutiny Panel met to review the performance and future plans of Govia Thameslink Railway and Southeastern Railway. The panel noted updates from both rail operators regarding service performance, accessibility improvements, investment programmes, and future service plans, and agreed on several recommendations to support these efforts.

Annual Transport Scrutiny Meeting Part 1

The panel received presentations from representatives of Govia Thameslink Railway and Southeastern Railway, focusing on service performance, accessibility, investment programmes, and the role of rail services in supporting borough growth.

Govia Thameslink Railway provided an overview of its services, highlighting efforts to encourage public transport use, support local economic growth, and prepare for increased passenger demand. The operator detailed ongoing planning for service capacity and infrastructure improvements, alongside investments in apprenticeships and workforce diversification. Accessibility improvements, including work on step-free access and lift reliability, were also discussed, as was a joint performance improvement plan with Network Rail. Members raised concerns about accessibility, service reliability, driver recruitment, and anti-social behaviour, to which the representative responded with details of ongoing work to enhance reliability, driver availability, and customer safety. The panel noted the planned transfer of the operator into public ownership and its future integration into Great British Railways.

Southeastern Railway presented its integrated railway model, aimed at improving performance, efficiency, and reliability. The operator shared information on customer satisfaction, punctuality, and reliability, outlining ambitions to enhance Metro services through investment in rolling stock, infrastructure, and stations. Plans for signalling, track renewals, station upgrades, and accessibility schemes, including progress at Hither Green and plans for Kidbrooke station, were detailed. Technological innovations for network performance, such as asset monitoring and drone usage, were also discussed, alongside workforce development and inclusion initiatives. A key announcement was the plan to introduce a minimum of four trains per hour on Metro services from December 2026, subject to approval. Members engaged in discussions regarding accessibility, assistance for disabled passengers, anti-social behaviour, safeguarding, staffing, and integration with active travel.

Following these presentations, the panel resolved to note the updates from both rail operators. They also requested that the Cabinet Member support investment in a new Southeastern Metro rolling stock fleet, acknowledging its potential benefits for reliability and accessibility. Furthermore, the panel expressed support for ongoing efforts to secure funding and deliver step-free access improvements at Kidbrooke station. The panel also agreed that consideration should be given to securing contributions towards accessibility improvements, including step-free access to the London-bound platform at Woolwich Dockyard station, should future development at Charlton Riverside proceed. Finally, the panel welcomed and supported the continued focus by rail operators on improving accessibility and pursuing long-term enhancements for disabled passengers.

The meeting concluded at 8:32 PM.