The first round of bids to run the Thameslink service from Sussex to London has been received by the rail industry regulator.

Govia, which has run the franchise since 1997, is competing with eight other firms to operate the Brighton-to-Bedford line.

Other operators in contention include Connex, Stagecoach, National Express and groups from Sweden and Holland.

Govia is already competing with Connex to run the South Central franchise which links Brighton with London and a decision is expected in the autumn.

The companies shortlisted to run the service from April 2004 by the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority have 55 days to prepare detailed proposals with the winner to be announced next year.

The franchise is expected to include the Thameslink 2000 project which will expand services northwards, taking in stations including King's Lynn in Norfolk and a direct route from Sussex to Ashford International.

The project has been considered at a public inquiry and the outcome has yet to be announced.

A Govia spokesman said: "There are so many people running for the franchise because it is so successful and we are the only train operating company which doesn't work on a subsidy."

Mike Grant, SSRA franchising director and chief executive, said: "I am delighted by the very strong field of quality contenders we have assembled for this major new franchise.

"It is the only mainline rail link across central London and will be expanded considerably under the Thameslink 2000 proposals to provide extra capacity for the capital's hard-pressed commuters."