Rail passengers in the South London, Surrey and Sussex are set to benefit from 10% more capacity across the South Central franchise area and significant service improvements under proposals outlined by Rail Minister Tom Harris MP today.

The proposals are part of the consultation document that details the services that the future operator of the South Central franchise will run. The South Central franchise will comprise services currently run by Southern and will include Gatwick Express services and the Redhill - Tonbridge route currently operated by Southeastern.

It outlines extra capacity, smartcards rolled out throughout the franchise area, safer stations and better environmental performance of the franchise. Views are also being sought on whether fares and performance could be linked.

It also states that the winner of the franchise must help facilitate important projects like the East London Line Extension and the £5.5bn Thameslink Programme, both of which will provide a significant increase in capacity in and through London.

Proposals include:

* Around 25% more capacity on most routes in South London where trains will be extended from 8 - 10 carriages,

* More than 3,700 additional seats in and out of London at the busiest times because of retained doubling of peak time express trains between Brighton and London Victoria in the high peak. Two extra trains between Redhill and London at peak times will also be retained. These services will start later this year

* Later services - Last services from Central London to places such as Sutton, Tulse Hill and Crystal Palace at around 0030 compared to 2330 or midnight today. Later services will also operate on the Uckfield route

* Smartcards across the franchise area, including provision for Oyster Pay as You Go Commuter

* Fares - regulated fare increases capped at RPI+1%. Views are being sought on how fares could made simpler, as well as how they could be linked to performance

* Safer stations - including extended hours of staffing, gating of around 30 stations and enhanced CCTV across the franchise

* A new Sunday service between Brighton and Southampton

* Better facilities for travel to stations - Around 1,000 more car parking and around 1,000 cycle parking spaces

* Greener travel - a 10% reduction in non-traction electricity supply and better environmental performance

Rail Minister Tom Harris said;

"Passengers are central to our proposals. That is why we are proposing 10% extra capacity across the South Central routes, better evening and weekend services and more people will be able to use smartcards.

"Additional stations will be staffed late at night and there will be around 1,000 extra car parking and cycle spaces. I expect the winner of this competition to tackle delays and cancellations as well as help deliver major projects in London that will benefit passengers for years to come."