First Capital Connect say they are "disappointed" at the Government’s decision to award the new Thameslink Southern and Great Northern franchise to Govia Thameslinik Railway Limited.

FCC managing director, David Statham, said despite losing the seven year franchise, FirstGroup would continue to work with Govia "to secure the smooth transition of operations".

He said: "We are of course disappointed that FirstGroup has not been selected as the operator for the TSGN franchise. We will work with Govia in order to secure the smooth transition of operations. 

"Everyone at FCC is committed to continue operating First Capital Connect to the highest standards until the new TSGN franchise begins. We look forward to delivering continued improvements in service reliability, customer information and customer service until September 2014. "

This morning's announcement comes after FCC was branded the worst train operator in the country in February last year with a customer satisfaction score of just 40 per cent.

Govia is promising three new state-of-the-art train fleets that will deliver more services and seats, faster journeys and better connections across many of the busiest rail routes in London and the south east.

Mr Statham continued: "I am tremendously proud of the improvements we have brought to the FCC franchise, and our role as a key partner in the Thameslink Programme. Our achievements include almost 30,000 extra seats over both routes at our business times, launching the new Class 700 rolling stock, transforming our class 365 trains, investing over £41m in station improvements, opening new communication channels with our customers including Twitter, and providing a safe and secure railway through our £1m investment in extra police support officers at stations. 

"I want to thank our employees for their hard work and continued efforts to deliver the best possible service for our passengers."