Just over a year after launching Britain’s first integrated railway under public ownership at Hither Green station, Rail Minister The Rt Hon Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE returned to see one of the clearest examples of its success: the UK’s largest Access for All project, which is on track to be completed six months early and under budget.

The Minister’s visit marked a significant milestone for the railway in the South East, coming more than a year after Southeastern and Network Rail Kent Route chose Hither Green to launch the country’s first new Integrated Railway, bringing track and train teams together under a single leadership structure ahead of the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR).

During the visit, the Minister toured the station and met with railway staff to hear first hand how the new integrated railway was working in practice as a blueprint for GBR.

Since the launch of the integrated railway, teams have strengthened collaboration across operations, maintenance and investment, creating a more joined-up approach to running and improving the railway for customers across the South East delivering  growth, improved punctuality and higher customer satisfaction.

Steve White, Managing Director of South Eastern Railway, said: “A little over a year ago, we stood at Hither Green to launch Britain’s first new Integrated Railway as a step towards Great British Railways.

“Today, we are a purpose-driven organisation, more accountable and more joined-up, with track and train working together as one team and focused on delivering better services for our customers and communities

“While there’s much more to do to improve our railway, and our focus on improvement is relentless, one year on, we are delivering a safer, better railway at a reduced cost for the taxpayer. Crucially, we are seeing a cultural shift with new ways of working bringing stronger collaboration, faster decision-making and a sharper focus on the outcomes that matter most to passengers and our communities.

“We’re thrilled that Hither Green’s redevelopment is on track to be delivered six months early and under budget – this project will transform accessibility for millions of customers who use this station every year.”

“Next, we have ambitious plans to replace our Metro fleet which will be a catalyst for the transformation of rail services in south east London.”