The UK Government is to take over running services on train operator Southeastern, also known as the London & South Eastern Railway Limited (LSER), after a “serious breach” of its franchise agreement. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said an investigation by his department identified evidence that since October 2014 the company has not declared more than £25 million ($34.2 million) of historic taxpayer funding which should have been returned. Further investigations are being conducted and the government said it will consider options for more action, including financial penalties. Shapps said: “There is clear, compelling, and serious evidence that LSER have breached the trust that is absolutely fundamental to the success of our railways. When trust is broken, we will act decisively. “The decision to take control of services makes unequivocally clear that we will not accept anything less from the private sector than a total commitment to their passengers and absolute …
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