Rail bosses have started a search to find a new operator to run the services in East Sussex following the sacking of French-owned Connex.

The idea is to find a private company to make and promote greater links with Channel Tunnel rail services.

It could mean travellers on the Charing Cross-to-Hastings line getting used to travelling on a train run by a company with Channel Tunnel in its name and a complete redrawing of existing routes.

Thirteen private companies have expressed an interest in taking over from Connex and running the proposed Channel Tunnel Rail Link. These are being narrowed down to three or five. Their names will be announced by the end of the year.

The Strategic Rail Authority has begun consultations on how the new franchise providing rail services to Kent, south-east London and parts of Sussex will work from early 2005. Local and regional views are being sought.

Connex's contract to run the routes through Sussex to Kent will end on December 31.

An interim management company, South Eastern Trains, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the SRA, will then operate services until the successful franchisee takes over.

The SRA wants to see changes in service patterns that have remained largely unchanged since electrification of the routes 40 years ago.

Thursday October 23, 2003