SOUTH West Trains (SWT) new franchise began last weekend amid a series of delays, bus replacements and overall misery. But despite kickstarting a new look SWT on a day blighted by service difficulties, the franchise has promised of a whole raft of improvements over the next 10 years. Stagecoach Group has operated SWT since it ran the first ever privatised train back in 1996 and was given the chance to carry on its work when the Department for Transport awarded the company a new 10 year franchise last September. According to SWT, the last decade has seen major changes across the network, including the replacement of slam-door trains with a £1 billion order of hi-tech Desiro trains and a radical overhaul of the timetable, which was a major factor in improved performance. The next 10 years will see: l Refurbishment of 14 stations l At least £20 million of car park investments l Installing more ticket barriers l The introduction of Smartcard ticket technology, compatible with Oyster in the London area SWT managing director, Stewart Palmer said: "These are exciting times for both SWT and our passengers. "We are under no illusions about the challenges we face; over the next 10 years we will have to pay the government over £1 billion, but with more ticket barriers, we have more opportunities to generate and collect revenue." Improving network stations will be a major part of the next 10 years. Around £40m will be spent on core station improvements including better subways, lighting, waiting rooms, booking halls, toilets, shelters, seats and CCTV cameras. A further 13 stations will have ticket barriers installed with Aldershot and Haselmere among those set to benefit. Other highlights of the franchise will include: l An increase in capacity, with 21 per cent more mainline peak seats and a 20 per cent increase in peak suburban capacity. l A promise to retain the presence of a guard on every service. l Installation of a further 160 self-service ticket vending machines to reduce ticket office queues.