When Govia took over the South Central franchise from Connex a year ago, most passengers welcomed the fact there would be a period of stability.

One reason Connex was unable to make the required investment in services was that its franchise was only for seven years.

Now in a surprise move the Strategic Rail Authority has decided the new Govia franchise should also be for seven years.

Chairman Richard Bowker said major planned improvements such as those on the Brighton and Arun Valley lines would go ahead.

But it does mean that electrification of the Ashford to Hastings line and the Uckfield line will not now go ahead.

Travellers have been waiting 40 years for these projects. Electrifying the Ashford line is particularly important since it would enable direct trains to be run from the Channel Tunnel to Southampton Meanwhile the Uckfield line is one of the slowest in Britain. When it comes to rail investment, the Sussex commuter town is at the end of the line.

This decision will not give companies such as Govia the confidence to make full commitment to the areas they serve.

There is an enormous need for stable operation following a decade of great change and an equally pressing requirement for investment.

Govia also looks likely to get only another seven years on its Thameslink franchise whereas it would be surely be sensible to make this longer too.

During that time, work will start on the much-needed Thameslink 2000 scheme enabling many more services to be run. It would be better to have continuity.