http://www.inthenews.co.uk/money/news/transport/stagecoach-retains-south-western-franchise-$452553.htm
Quote
Under the new franchise, Stagecoach has agreed to increase capacity on
its trains by agreeing to boost the number of seats on its mainline
peak services by 21 per cent and on peak suburban services by 20 per
cent.

The company has also pledged to ensure a more visible staff presence at
its stations to improve the security of passengers and to invest £19
million in Oyster smartcard technology to make it easier for rail
travellers to purchase tickets.

Stagecoach also plans to invest about £40 million on "core station
improvements", including major refurbishment at 14 large stations.

Commenting on today's development, Peter Hendy, commissioner for
Transport for London (TfL), said: "Six million people already use
Oyster every day in London. This means that from 2009, passengers on
the South Western franchise will be able to use Oyster
ticketing, including pay as you go, integrated with transport modes
across London, including the Tube, bus and Docklands Light Railway
(DLR).

"It is vital we have an integrated ticketing system between mainline
rail and TfL's tube, bus and DLR network in London, so that passengers
can enjoy the full benefits and convenience of Oyster. This is a major
step towards fully integrated ticketing in London."
Unquote

Two questions
If Stagecoach have had to agree to boost the number of seats at the
peak by 20/21% - how come the same provisions were not applied to FCC
thuis leading to the Thameslink shambles. Was somebody in the DfT
franchise offer taking a power nap during the meeting?

Will the requirement to include Oyster compatability now be extended on
a franchise by franchise basis on all franchises that offer through
ticketing to London. If so why does the DfT not insist on the system
being used on say buses and trams in Manchester, Sheffield or
Nottingham - no point in investing in two incompatable systems? As they
say why take 2 bottles into the shower?