Move follows a breach of franchise agreement
The UK Government is set to take control of Southeastern rail services.
The news comes after a “serious breach” of its franchise agreement according to Grant Shapps, the transport secretary.
After finding evidence that £25m of taxpayer funding had not been declared, Shapps ordered the company to be taken over by the Government’s Operator of Last Resort following an investigation by the Department for Transport.
The transition will begin as of 18 October while the government says it will have no impact on fares or services.
Mr Shapps said: “There is clear, compelling and serious evidence that LSER have breached the trust that is absolutely fundamental to the success of our railways. When trust is broken, we will act decisively.”
“The decision to take control of services makes unequivocally clear that we will not accept anything less from the private sector than a total commitment to their passengers and absolute transparency with taxpayer support.”
