THE main rail operator in Sussex, Connex South Central, says it will spend the best part of £400 million on services if it gets its franchise extended from seven to fifteen years.

Most of this will be spent on new rolling stock. Other goodies include renovated stations and electrifying the lines to Uckield and Ashford. It all sounds exactly what the railways need, yet there has been a reaction from travellers ranging from muted to hostile. This is because the train company has not had the best of times with delays in the last year. In the company's defence, it has improved the off-peak service from Brighton to London and run more trains on the Coastway lines. Its sister company, Connex South East, has introduced new rolling stock on a longer franchise. The rail franchising director, who makes the decision, should give Connex what it wants on the understanding that it delivers what passengers want.

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