Rail companies in South East London and Kent have partnered with suppliers and local authorities to launch a new long-term plan aimed at improving the region’s railway sector.

The new ‘In Partnership for Britain’s Prosperity – South East London and Kent’ plan includes an on-going £6 million investment in modifications such as the installation of new shelters on platforms at 28 stations, the addition of cycle hubs, and new service information screens and announcement systems at more than 160 stations.

The plan will also enable the rail companies to work together to invest more than £425 million in the region’s railway by April next year.

It is expected to create 150 new jobs and 25 new apprenticeships; it is also set to benefit from the upcoming South Eastern franchise, which is scheduled to launch next year and should provide additional space for 40,000 passengers.

Under the franchise framework, Network Rail is set to spend £300 million to improve the track power supplies and extend platforms to create more space for passengers.

It will bring faster and more-frequent services to London and major destinations in Kent throughout the day, with additional peak services.

Network Rail South East route managing director John Halsall said: “The railway in South East London and Kent is one of the busiest parts of the network, helping more than three million people a week travel to work, school and for leisure.”