Rail Minister Peter Hendy has visited Hither Green station, a little more than a year after launching the first integration of railway services under public ownership at the same station.

His 2026 visit was to see the progress of work to make the station more accessible, in what is the UK’s largest Access for All project. The work is on schedule to finish six months early and cost less than its budget. In May, the station’s new, step-free footbridge was installed.

Hendy’s visit marked a year since Southeastern and Network Rail Kent Route launched the UK’s first new Integrated Railway at Hither Green. The move brought track and train staff together under one leadership structure, in preparation for the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR).

During last year’s visit, the Minister toured Hither Green station and met with railway workers, who told him how the new integrated railway worked in practice as a blueprint for GBR.

Southeastern believes that the integration has strengthened collaboration across operations, maintenance and investment, has created a “more joined-up approach to running and improving the railway for customers across the South East”, and is delivering growth, better punctuality and higher customer satisfaction.

“A little over a year ago, we stood at Hither Green to launch Britain’s first new Integrated Railway as a step towards Great British Railways.

“Today, we are a purpose-driven organisation, more accountable and more joined-up, with track and train working together as one team and focused on delivering better services for our customers and communities.

“While there’s much more to do to improve our railway, and our focus on improvement is relentless, one year on, we are delivering a safer, better railway at a reduced cost for the taxpayer. Crucially, we are seeing a cultural shift with new ways of working bringing stronger collaboration, faster decision-making and a sharper focus on the outcomes that matter most to passengers and our communities.

“We’re thrilled that Hither Green’s redevelopment is on track to be delivered six months early and under budget – this project will transform accessibility for millions of customers who use this station every year.”

Steve White, Managing Director of South Eastern Railway