THE Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will distribute 222,000 leaflets to rail passengers to explain the decision to sack Connex South Eastern.

There will be a six-month exit period after which Connex will hand over to a temporary shadow company called South Eastern Trains, headed by two SRA directors and representatives from other operators.

The SRA will then bring forward the competition for a new Integrated Kent Franchise, incorporating South Eastern services and the planned high-speed domestic services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, with the winning private-sector company taking over within 12 to 18 months.

SRA chairman Richard Bowker said: “We expect strong competition for the new Integrated Kent Franchise which will bring almost immediate improvements for passengers.” He added: “It is business as usual for all passengers and for the majority of Connex staff.” The SRA has confirmed all Connex’s operational staff including drivers, guards and cleaners will keep their jobs under any new franchise.

London Transport Users’ Committee chairman Suzanne May said: “We will be pressing hard for evidence there are safeguards to ensure Connex’s passenger are not forgotten during the changeover.”