In September 2021 the Department for Transport (DfT) announced it would be terminating the South Eastern franchise then operated by the Govia-owned Southeastern after revenue declaration discrepancies involving £25 million of public money were discovered.

[14] These additions came amid a £4.4 million station improvement programme covering both Kent and south-east London, headed by both Southeastern and Network Rail.

They can be bought through Southeastern's website as well as its mobile application, incorporate anti-fraud measures, and are valid for travel across south-east London, Kent, and East Sussex.

[21] One year later, it was announced that Southeastern was to put on an additional 100 trains per week as a result of timetable changes based on customer feedback and travel pattern analysis across Kent, East Sussex and south-east London.

[27][28] As of December 2024, the weekday off-peak service pattern, with frequencies in trains per hour (tph), is:[29] At the commencement of operations, Southeastern retained the same electric multiple units as its predecessor.

[42][43] By May 2023, Southeastern had reportedly completed work on half of its 112-strong Class 375 Electrostar fleet under a £10 million upgrade programme; internal changes included the addition of new USB ports, at-seat electrical sockets, LED lighting, and energy meters.

[44] The previous franchisee had finalised a leasing arrangement for the entire Class 707 fleet and was in the process of launching the type into service when the OLR took over.