The Department for Transport is to invite expressions of interest in the South Central passenger rail franchise (link below.)
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/southcentralfranchise/southcentraladvert

The process will commence on 22nd May 2008 with the new franchise scheduled to start in September 2009.

A separate consultation process on the specification for the new service will also commence shortly, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the Department's proposals for the franchise.

The term of the franchise will be five years and ten months (expiring in July 2015), with the final year dependent on achieving acceptable performance levels. The franchise will include an ability to extend by up to two years from July 2015 at the Department's discretion. The new South Central Franchise will be formed from the existing Southern franchise together with the existing Gatwick Express franchise which is expected to be incorporated within the Southern franchise in June 2008, and the Tonbridge - Redhill element of the current Southeastern service that will be operated by Southern from December 2008.

DfT responses to questions received from parties interested in seeking accreditation to receive an Invitation to Tender for the South Central Franchise (link below.)
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/southcentralfranchise/clarification.pdf

Fears over cuts to train services between Kent and Surrey have led a council to oppose the franchise (link below.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7575418.stm

Tonbridge council said it had "deep concerns" about cuts to services and had written to the Department for Transport opposing the plans.

The council said proposed changes would mean no direct trains from Tonbridge to Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, no direct off-peak trains from Tonbridge to London Bridge, and fewer off-peak trains between Tonbridge and Redhill.

Councillor Matthew Balfour said the Tonbridge to Redhill line was "an essential connection" and the council had made a "forceful and well-argued case" against the plans.