Network SouthCentral - A

Network SouthCentral - A

Network SouthCentral (NSC) was a shadow franchise that existed from 4 February 1994 to 13 October 1996, when Connex South Central took over the running of the franchise. The franchise is now part of the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise operated by Govia Thameslink Railway under the Southern brand. As with all shadow franchises, Network SouthCentral was a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Railways Board.

Network SouthCentral Origins

In the lead up to the privatisation of British Rail, Network SouthEast was divided into a series of shadow franchises. Network SouthCentral was formed in February 1994.

Network SouthCentral Geographical Area

Network SouthCentral covered most of Sussex and parts of East Surrey. The core of NSC's operations was the Brighton Main Line, with most other NSC mainline services utilising some part of this alignment. The rough boundaries of the NSC operations were from Hastings in the east to Portsmouth in the west, although services operated by the company did extend further on both sides to Southampton along the West Coastway line in the west, and as the sole operator of the Marshlink line from Hastings to Ashford via Rye.

In London, the company served two major mainline terminals; London Victoria and Charing Cross. NSC's suburban services concentrated on the area directly to the south of these two stations, with routes serving most of south London, including Clapham Junction, Peckham, Tattenham Corner, East Croydon, Caterham, Sutton and Crystal Palace.

The main former Network SouthEast "sub-sectors" that came under the jurisdiction of NSC were the Sussex Coast, Oxted, South London and Marshlink lines.

Network SouthCentral Overview

Network SouthCentral Type: Wholly owned subsidiary
Network SouthCentral Industry: Shadow franchise
Network SouthCentral Predecessor: Network SouthEast
Network SouthCentral Founded: 4 February 1994 in London, United Kingdom
Network SouthCentral Defunct: 13 October 1996
Network SouthCentral Fate: Dissolved
Network SouthCentral Successor: Connex South Central
Network SouthCentral Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Network SouthCentral Area Served: London, South East
Network SouthCentral Owner: British Rail Board