RAIL firm Connex has unveiled plans for two new high-speed lines from the Sussex coast to London as part of a proposed £1 billion investment programme.

Trains would be able to travel at up to 100mph along routes either side of the existing main line between Brighton and the capital.

The French-owned company also pledged substantial investment in improvements to stations around the county and to scrap 'slam-door' carriages before 2004. But the plans are likely to mean higher fares.

Connex chiefs unveiled their proposals yesterday - just one week before drivers are due to hold the first of six one-day stoppages during January and February.

The key proposals are:

l Two new main lines, based

largely on existing track. One is from Seaford, Newhaven and Eastbourne to London via Uckfield within four years, the other from Littlehampton to the capital via Horsham, Dorking and Sutton on an upgraded Arun Valley line within five years.

l The Brighton main line to be upgraded with better track and signalling and the removal of bottlenecks, such as Gatwick Airport.

l A coastal connection from Portsmouth via Hastings to link with the Channel Tunnel rail link at Ashford in Kent within ten years.

l Track layout improvements at Brighton Station to go with the revamp of the station.

l By 2003, the creation of 'easy access' stations through improvements to facilities and services.

l The replacement of all 'slam-door' coaches on Sussex coast routes by the end of 2003.

l The use of bus services to link with some rail services in Sussex. These include linking Rye with Headcorn and Tenterden in Kent, and Midhurst with Pulborough on the Arun Valley line.

The £1 billion proposed investment includes £500 million on new trains, up to £400 million on track and signalling, £70 million on stations and £5 to £10 million on depots.

The proposals are part of Connex's attempt to secure a 20-year franchise to run train services in the South East this summer.

Connex chairman and chief executive Antoine Hurel said: "We are aware that our service is not perfect and that there is room for improvement in some areas. We are doing things about it, but it takes time."

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