Croydon commuters face more uncertainty following news that Connex South Eastern will lose its franchise at the end of the year.

The company, which operates trains through Croydon, Purley and Redhill, has been stripped of its franchise by regulator The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) because it failed to meet a detailed programme of improvements.

In a bid to reassure Connex passengers, SRA chairman Richard Bowker said: “It is business as usual for all passengers and for the vast majority of Connex staff. This is a decision we have taken to protect tax payers money and passenger delivery.” Connex says it disagrees with the reasons behind the decision and is considering its options.

Olivier Brousse, chief executive, said: “I am shocked by the SRA’s decision, most particularly for our staff who worked tirelessly to run this railway as best as they could. We will work very hard until the last minute to run the best service we can.” Once a handover date is agreed with Connex, the business will transfer to an interim company known as South Eastern Trains, acting on behalf of the SRA.