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 railway 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 company taking over within 12 to 18 months.

SRA chairman Richard Bowker said: “We expect strong competition for the new Integrated Kent Franchise, which we will shortly be putting out to tender, and which will bring early improvements for passengers.” He added: “It is business as usual for all passengers and for the vast majority of Connex staff.” The SRA has confirmed all Connex’s operational staff, such as drivers, guards, station managers and cleaners, will be able to 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 passengers are not forgotten during the changeover period, and funding is in place to ensure this railway continues to function as a vital component in the lives of the communities it serves.”