Page "Southern (train operating company)" Paragraph 5

In March 2000 the Strategic Rail Authority announced its intention to relet the franchise from May 2003 with Connex and Govia the shortlisted bidders.

On 24 October 2000 the Strategic Rail Authority announced that Govia had been awarded the franchise and would operate it from May 2003.

Govia negotiated a deal with Connex to buy out the remainder of its franchise with the transaction completed in August 2001.

Govia trading as SouthCentral ( legal name New Southern Railway Limited, company 3010919 ) took over operations on 26 August 2001.