The purpose of this thread originally was a question about the extension to Southeastern's franchise until 2019. However, as the question has been answered and I'm lazy, I decided to repurpose the thread into a fantasy about what you'd do if you ran the next franchise.
I would replace the Networkers with Hitachi AT100s first of all. While they're being built, the 375/6s will have their pantographs recommissioned and have brighter lights installed (also possibly applicable to the /7s) and the /9s would have the 2+3 seating changed so the 3 seats is now 2 a cross instead. I would also electrify the Marshlink Line and take control off of Southern. The line, if possible, would be electrified with third rail but if this cannot happen it will be electrified with High Speed 1-style OHE. The /6s would operate on this line for the stopping services to Hastings from Ashford and Class 803s (new IETs built to the specification of the 395s) and 395s would run High Speed services to Hastings. Extra HS services would be provided although 'Kent Loop' services would be abolished. It would be replaced with trains running via Ashford terminating at Margate (which would have its 5th platform reinstated) and trains via Faversham would terminate at Ramsgate. Services to Maidstone would run all day. There would also be one fast and slow train per hour operated by Electrostars on both the Canterbury West and Deal lines. 2 Class 92s and/or 2 Class 57s would be modified and used as Thunderbird locomotives. Ashford International would be remodeled so you can get to HS1 from Platforms 1 and 2 and Platforms 3 and 4 would be modified to take both Eurostars and NR services, like at Lille Europe.
According to Rail Magazine the new franchise will begin nextyear but on Southeastern's website it will begin in November. Who is right? Is it just Southeastern's website not being updated or is it ending earlier now?
I would replace the Networkers with Hitachi AT100s first of all. While they're being built, the 375/6s will have their pantographs recommissioned and have brighter lights installed (also possibly applicable to the /7s) and the /9s would have the 2+3 seating changed so the 3 seats is now 2 a cross instead. I would also electrify the Marshlink Line and take control off of Southern. The line, if possible, would be electrified with third rail but if this cannot happen it will be electrified with High Speed 1-style OHE. The /6s would operate on this line for the stopping services to Hastings from Ashford and Class 803s (new IETs built to the specification of the 395s) and 395s would run High Speed services to Hastings. Extra HS services would be provided although 'Kent Loop' services would be abolished. It would be replaced with trains running via Ashford terminating at Margate (which would have its 5th platform reinstated) and trains via Faversham would terminate at Ramsgate. Services to Maidstone would run all day. There would also be one fast and slow train per hour operated by Electrostars on both the Canterbury West and Deal lines. 2 Class 92s and/or 2 Class 57s would be modified and used as Thunderbird locomotives. Ashford International would be remodeled so you can get to HS1 from Platforms 1 and 2 and Platforms 3 and 4 would be modified to take both Eurostars and NR services, like at Lille Europe.
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