Croydon's beleaguered commuters have been promised a "rail revolution" if Connex South Central succeeds in having its franchise extended to 15 years.

The much-maligned comp-any says it will introduce ultra-modern aluminium trains to replace the old slam-door rolling stock and invest heavily in "hub" and interchange stations, such as East Croydon and Sutton.

But in return it wants the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising (OPRAF) to extend Connex's contract to run the area's rail network until 2011.

And many Croydon politicians feel such a move could be a massive gamble for the borough's commuters.

Croydon North MP Malcolm Wicks said: "I understand Connex's argument about long-term investment but I'm afraid I don't feel they've done enough to warrant such a big extension to their franchise. I feel many passengers will greet this with much scepticism."

Connex's managing director Geoff Harrison-Mee said: "The proposals constitute a comprehensive package that would radically transform our network, so offering customers a railway system geared to the 21st century. And it will only take us five years."

He accepted the company had experienced problems with train punctuality but added that almost 94 per cent of trains were now arriving on time. OPRAF is due to rule on the contract extension at the end of this month.

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