Southeastern launch improvement fund
Rail company Southeastern have launched a fund for small-scale projects for local rail improvements.
The company state that the Customer and Community Improvement Fund is also for “delivering social value within communities, help reduce economic and social inequality, and support social mobility.”
A total of £125,000 is on offer for “Charities, stakeholders, organisations, and community groups are encouraged to apply for a grant of between £1,000 and £50,000”.
Applications are open between 15th July and 31st August for spending in this financial year.
Another round of funding is likely for 2025/26.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
“This is a brilliant example of how our railways offer so much more than simply getting people from A to B – they boost opportunities and transform lives.
“It’s been almost 200 years since the world’s first passenger journey set off in the UK, and communities, then and now, are at the heart of the network. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these grants will have on both Southeastern’s customers, and the people in the areas they serve.”
Kevin Warn, responsible for Southeastern’s stations in Kent, said:
“Southeastern plays a huge role in supporting the local economy by connecting people to friends, family, education, employment and healthcare and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to do even more and give something back to the communities we’re proud to serve.
“Earlier this year we were the first train operator to publish a Social Mobility Action Plan and this funding will unlock new opportunities for local organisations, charities and community groups to do even more. The funding could help to provide local training and employment, build healthier and safer communities, become more sustainable and promote inclusion and diversity.”
What about replacing the Class 465 and Class 466 Networker EMUs that are getting old and to inherit the Class 387s from Great Northern to be used on Southeastern routes. Or to order new trains to replace the Class 465 and Class 466. And the 2 remaining Class 707s to be transferred from South Western Railway when the Class 701 Arterio trains have entered service on other lines.