SOUTHEASTERN will continue running Kent’s and south east London’s rail services until 2018, after the government delayed a takeover by four years.

Operators, including TfL, were expecting to submit bids next month for a new franchise which would begin operating in April 2014 and run until 2020.

But the government has announced the Department of Transport is now to reorganise the programme for awarding new franchises.

A public consultation for the new franchise was started by rail minister Theresa Villiers last year.

A spokeswoman for Southeastern said: "Southeastern, one of the Govia franchises, has a strong record of improving services for customers over the past seven years - with record levels of punctuality and customer satisfaction.

"The company also played a major role in the successful delivery of transport for the London 2012 Games last summer."

She added: "No other provider has been able to deliver the same level of punctuality we have. Southeastern have certainly come a long way since taking over the franchise in 2006.

"There are certainly plans in place with Network Rail to improve services, particularly at London Bridge."

Bexley Council Leader, Councillor Teresa O’Neill, said a TfL takeover would have led to more investment into train stations in the borough and a greater connection with the rest of London.

“I think it’s a shame for residents who have to use the services. If TfL had taken over, commuters wouldn’t be standing on a platform waiting for a train that was never going to appear,” she added.

MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford David Evennett said: “I can assure my constituents that I will continue to hold Southeastern Railway to account and make representations to ensure that we all receive a better service.

He added the report into the West Coast Main Line franchising process highlighted some real problems that needed to be addressed.

The Department for Transport announced today that Virgin Trains will continue to operate on the West Coast Main Line track until April 2017.

Virgin Trains had initially lost the deal to FirstGroup, but the decision was overturned in October 2012 when mistakes made by Department for Transport were revealed.

Mr Evennett added: "I welcome the Transport Secretary’s announcement that the franchise system will be guided by three new principles – that the passenger gains, the taxpayer benefits through less waste and more efficiency, and a more competitive rail industry.”

Commenting on yesterday’s announcement on the extension of franchise agreements, Mayor of London Boris Johnson said today: “The success of the London Overground management contract shows what can be done.

"We have delivered better train services, decent refurbished stations and as a result much higher passenger satisfaction levels. We believe we can deliver improvements to other routes within London."