AFTER a low key start to the new South Western Railway (SWR) franchise the new era was formally launched at London Waterloo on September 4.
SWR took over from South West Trains on August 20.
The offical launch was delayed until platform extensions at Waterloo were completed.
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First Group and MTR jointly operate SWR, and used the event to reveal the new SWR livery.
SWR has ordered 750 new ‘Aventra’ EMUs from Bombardier, which will be formed into five- and 10-car units. They are due to enter service from mid-2019 and will provide an extra 20,000 seats in the morning peak into London. SWR will introduce a new customer app for mobile ticketing, increased wi-fi coverage, 1,150 extra car parking spaces and invest £90million in station upgrades.
SWR is headed by managing director Andrew Mellors.
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