Connex South Central
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Franchise(s) |
Network SouthCentral 26 May 1996 – 25 August 2001 |
| Main region(s) | South |
| Other region(s) | London, South East |
| National Rail abbreviation | CX |
| Parent company | Connex |
Connex South Central was a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by Connex that operated the Network SouthCentral franchise from May 1996 until August 2001.
On 26 May 1996, Connex commenced operating the Network SouthCentral franchise. Later in 1996 Connex rebranded the franchise Connex South Central and introduced a white, yellow and blue livery.
The operator was criticised for poor customer service (on average one in five Connex trains was delayed) and for using old slam-door trains in the South of England, rather than spend any money on buying modern sliding-door rolling stock built to higher safety standards (though Connex ordered new trains for Connex South Eastern). This widespread disgust at filthy trains and widespread delays caused criticism of Connex, but it was poor financial management that ultimately caused Connex to lose the franchise.
In March 2000 the Strategic Rail Authority announced its intention to relet the franchise, with Connex and Govia the shortlisted bidders.
On 24 October 2000 the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority announced that Govia had been awarded the franchise and would operate it from 2003. Govia negotiated a deal with Connex to buy out the remainder of its franchise with the transaction completed in August 2001.
Connex South Central ran passenger services from London Charing Cross, London Bridge and London Victoria to Beckenham Junction, Epsom Downs, East Grinstead, Uckfield, Caterham, Tattenham Corner, Horsham, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Brighton, Eastbourne and Ore.
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