Transport Secretary Alistair Darling finally launched a fleet of new trains into passenger service today (Tues).

Mr Darling hopped on board one of South Central's new Electrostar 377s for the trip from London to Brighton - and amazed commuters by arriving bang on time.

The new trains, with a top speed of 100mph and satellite-linked information systems, have replaced the 40-year-old slam-door stock and sliding-door trains on the Brighton Express service.

Govia, parent company of South Central, has ordered 700 of the carriages costing £856 million.

There have been delays and teething troubles in putting the trains into service but South Central managing director Charles Horton said: "They demonstrate our commitment to improving services across the whole network.

"A lot of hard work has been put into getting these new trains out of the depots and working for our passengers.

"Many hundreds of miles and hours of testing have helped get us to this point."

Mr Darling said: "The new rolling stock will make a real difference to comfort and reliability on a critical part of the network."

On arrival, Mr Darling opened a new travel centre at the station which provides information and tickets for buses, coaches, trains and boats as well as hiring cars, bikes and vans.

The travel centre, which cost £120,000 to adapt, is a collaboration between Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company and South Central.

Bus managing director Roger French said: "This is the first time we've brought our integrated travel service into a train station."

Mr French said it wasn't exactly rocket science but added: "We're delighted to be offering comprehensive travel information and ticket sales at this key site. I believe this will become a model for others to follow."

The Transport Secretary said: "It is a good example of everyone working together to make a real difference to the travelling public."

He congratulated Brighton and Hove on other aspects of its services including electronic information at stops.

Mr Darling said the public transport network needed sustained investment but it also required dedicated, common sense management.