Southern Railway facts for kids
Southern Railway can mean a few different things, mainly related to train companies in the United Kingdom and the United States. It's a name that has been used by both historical and modern railway services.
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Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway)
Southern is a modern train company in the United Kingdom. It is part of a larger group called Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). This company operates many train services, mostly in the south of England.
What Southern Does
Southern trains help people travel for work, school, and fun. They run services from London to places like Brighton, Eastbourne, and Portsmouth. Many people use these trains every day to get around.
Where Southern Operates
The main routes for Southern trains are in the counties of Surrey, Sussex, and Hampshire. They also serve parts of Kent and South London. Their trains connect many towns and cities, making it easier for people to commute.
Types of Trains
Southern uses modern electric trains. These trains are designed to be efficient and carry many passengers. They are a key part of the public transport network in the busy south-east of England.
Southern Railway (Great Britain)
The Southern Railway was a very important train company in the United Kingdom a long time ago. It was one of the "Big Four" railway companies formed in 1923. These companies were created when many smaller railway lines joined together.
History of the British Southern Railway
The British Southern Railway was formed on 1 January 1923. It took over many smaller railway companies in the south of England. Its main goal was to improve train travel and freight services in that region.
What It Was Known For
This railway was famous for its electric train network. It had the largest electrified railway system in the world at one point. It also ran special "boat trains" that connected London with ports like Dover and Southampton. From these ports, passengers could take ships to other countries.
End of an Era
The Southern Railway operated for 25 years. In 1948, all major British railway companies were brought under government control. This meant the Southern Railway became part of British Railways.
Southern Railway (U.S.)
The Southern Railway was also a major train company in the United States. It operated mainly in the southeastern part of the country. This company was very important for moving goods and people across many states.
Founding and Growth
The American Southern Railway was created in 1894. It was formed by combining several smaller railway lines that were struggling. Over time, it grew to become one of the largest and most successful railroads in the southern United States.
What It Carried
The Southern Railway carried many different things. It transported coal, textiles, and agricultural products from farms. It also offered passenger services, helping people travel between cities like Washington D.C., Atlanta, and New Orleans.
Modern Legacy
The Southern Railway operated for many decades. In 1982, it merged with another large railway company, the Norfolk and Western Railway. Together, they formed a new company called Norfolk Southern. This new company is still a very important freight railway in the United States today.
