South Western Railway launches new brand

The new South Western Railway brand and liveried train was launched today. Credit: ITV News

South Western Railway has launched its new brand today, Monday 4 September.

A new fully-liveried, or branded, Class 444 train was unveiled at Waterloo station, following the completion of the August Waterloo station upgrade works.

South Western Railway say they plan to invest £1.2 billion on new and refurbished trains, station improvement projects and the simplification of tickets between now and 2024.

First Group and MTR was awarded the South Western Rail franchise in March 2017, taking over from transport company, Stagecoach Group.

Formerly known as South West Trains, the service started running from 20 August and will do so until at least August 2024.

Managers say over 50,000 extra seats will be provided across peak services by 2020, with a delay repay scheme also being introduced.

From left to right: Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, Chief Executive of FirstGroup, Tim O'Toole and Managing Director of South Western Railway, Andy Mellors. Credit: ITV News

100,000 half-price advanced tickets are also being offered to mark the launch, including travel to and from London Waterloo, Exeter, Bristol, Bath Spa, Weymouth, Bournemouth, Salisbury, Portsmouth Harbour and the Isle of Wight.