The First-MTR South Western Trains joint venture between the UK's FirstGroup and Hong Kong's MTR has been awarded the franchise to run South West Trains (SWT) for seven years from August.

First-MTR is expected to deliver rapid journeys for passengers travelling around London’s suburban network through a fleet of new suburban trains, offering a regular service.

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UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "First MTR South Western Trains will deliver the improvements that people tell us they want right across the South Western franchise area, from Bristol and Exeter, to Southampton and Portsmouth, to Reading, Windsor and London."

MTR expects to work with Network Rail and will oversee a £1.2bn investment to help improve journeys for train passengers.

The next franchise will see addition of 22,000 more seats into London Waterloo each morning peak and 30,000 extra seats out of Waterloo each evening peak and a fleet of 90 new trains.

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"We will deliver a major programme of upgrades, including improvements to both rail services and customer experience, for passengers travelling across the South Western network."

Under the new contract, passengers are expected to receive better information throughout their journey on trains, platforms and through a new app. 

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The new contract will also see better facilities for passengers; delay repay compensation; and free Wi-Fi at all stations.

MTR European business CEO Jeremy Long said: “MTR is known across the world for the excellent quality of its rail services, and we look forward to working with FirstGroup to provide a best-in-class travel experience for passengers in London and the south-west.

"Together, we will deliver a major programme of upgrades, including improvements to both rail services and customer experience, for passengers travelling across the South Western network."