Southern (train operating company)

Southern is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It is based around routes to south London, Surrey, and Sussex from Victoria and London Bridge.

Southern is owned by Govia, a joint venture between transport groups Go-Ahead Group and Keolis, who also own the neighbouring Southeastern. Officially named New Southern Railway Ltd, the company was at first branded as South Central following its takeover of services previously operated by Connex South Central in 2000, before being rebranded as Southern on 30 May 2004 in a deliberate recollection of pre-nationalisation Southern Railway, with a green roundel logo with ‘Southern’ written in yellow in a green bar.

In early 2006, Southern became the focus of attention from cyclists' groups, as a result of the strict enforcement of their policy prohibiting the use of ordinary cycles during peak hours. From July 2007, in line with England's ban, smoking will be banned on any Southern property. Southern, and its sister company Southeastern, were both criticized in January 2007 for not wishing to introduce Oyster Pay As You Go on its London routes, stating it was not financially viable. Southern - and other London train operators - have now agreed to introduce Oyster following financial support being offered by Ken Livingstone.

In June 2008, Southern will assume responsibility for the Gatwick Express service between Victoria and Gatwick Airport. The same non-stop service between London and the airport will be maintained, with the addition of through services to and from Brighton during peak times.