Following the presentation made to Kent & Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP) Members on 14 September 2015, Kent County Council, with support for Medway Council, has prepared a consultation document in order to seek the opinion of KMEP members throughout the county on the New Southeastern franchise. These views will inform the official responses which Kent County Council and Medway Council will prepare for submission to the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2016.
There will be significant background growth in rail travel on which Network Rail would be expected to advise as a key component in their concurrent Kent Route Study. This will determine the outputs required, and the funding submission to support them, during Network Rail’s Control Period 6 (CP6) (2019–2024).
Significant growth in housing and employment is expected by 2031, both within Kent and Medway and in neighbouring counties. The councils are particularly concerned about how demand for rail travel in and through the county will grow, and how such growth can be accommodated on a network already approaching capacity. Improved connectivity to destinations, and reduction in journey times within and beyond the county, are also important to both councils.
There is a clear need to plan for the development of the rail network to meet the expected demand from significant planned housing and commercial growth, as set out in the county’s Growth and Infrastructure Framework. The councils would welcome any measures that could be introduced through the course of the franchise to assist in meeting this expected demand, and would welcome the opportunity to work with the new operator on these and other schemes to improve the passenger experience.
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To respond please email:sylvana.jones@kent.gov.uk by 29 February 2016.
