Govia, who also operate the southern Railway services, took over the existing Kent rail network on 1st April 2006. The company will operate the franchise for six years until 31st March 2012, with an automatic two year extension based on the achievement of specific performance targets. The new trains, 28 Hitachi high speed trains each consisting of 6 carriages, will enter service in December 2009. These will provide the new services between Folkestone, Ashford International, Ebbsfleet, Stratford and London St Pancras. They will be technologically advanced to operate on both existing and the new high speed rail routes, where they will be capable of reaching speeds of 140mph.
The 57 minutes planned journey from Folkestone Central to London St Pancras will support new housing and economic oppotunities in the Ashford and Thames Gateway growth areas.
The new trains will also pay a crucial role in providing the Javelin Service between London and Stratford for the Olympic Games in the Summer of 2012.
Visit Govia Website To Find Out The Timetable
'New Rail Operator - Govia' was created on: 07-02-2008