Railway operators Southeastern and Network Rail Kent have united to create South Eastern Railway.
The new operator stated that the joint leadership team would deliver efficiencies that could reduce operational costs by £50m per year.
South Eastern Railway will be overseen by Southeastern managing director Steve White under a streamlined structure.
South Eastern Railway is also planning to invest more than £40m station improvements, modernise the rolling stock on the Metro service, fit AI CCTV cameras to monitor tracks, and recruit the next generation of rail talent.
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The new rail operator reported that joint planning has already led to more efficient solutions for reducing delays, including enabling engineers to access the track more frequently to carry out repairs, while maintaining service for customers.
Chief operating officer at Resonate Group Blake Richmond said: “It’s promising to see tangible progress towards a more unified rail system, one that delivers improved outcomes for passengers.
“Aligning track and train operations is a crucial step toward a more efficient, responsive and passenger-focused railway.
“To truly maximise the impact of these reforms, integration must be underpinned by intelligent, data-led systems that enable better decision making and real time responsiveness across the network.
“Intelligent digital tools can enhance coordination, reduce delays and optimise network performance, helping to deliver the high standards and reliability that passengers rightfully expect.
“The focus on safety is another important aspect of this merger, using technology to better plan when repairs can take place to reduce risks and maintain high rates of service across the network.”
Achievements in rail will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
