Southeastern has announced it has published proposals for timetable changes which will see shorter journey times for thousands of passengers.
This week, Southeastern has published proposals for timetable changes which will see shorter journey times for thousands of passengers using its network.
The changes will come into effect in May 2019 and are 1-3 minute reductions in journey times for services from Ashford International to London Victoria. This will mean shorter journey times for all passengers travelling from Ashford International, Maidstone East, East Malling and other stations.
The train operator has also used the May 2019 changes as an opportunity to close unforeseen gaps in service provision which have arisen following the May 2018 change.
Southeastern will be seeking the feedback of stakeholders and passengers on its changes up to 28 December
What did the officials say?
Southeastern's Managing Director, David Statham said:
“Our focus for May 2019 is to tidy up the timetable from this major change; bringing new services in to fill long gaps and reducing journey times by working with Network Rail to re-plan junction interactions with other services, giving many passengers an extra few minutes back every day.
“Feedback from our passengers is important because it helps us finalise the changes that we need to make. We're asking people to provide their views not only on the proposals we've made here, but also more generally on how they feel the timetable could be improved. Any feedback we are unable to consider for May 2019 will be re-evaluated for the following round of timetable changes in the following December.”
Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge and Malling said:
“Southeastern's May 2018 timetable consultation represents a positive change, especially for commuters on the Maidstone East line. Reductions of between 1 and 3 minutes will help passengers get to work quicker in the morning. I'm glad that Southeastern have recognised that journey times needed reducing from East Malling, West Malling and Borough Green and would encourage everyone to respond to the consultation.”
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1-3 minutes… Hmmm… what could I do with all that time I saved?
Could GTR Thameslink take over some of the services that Southeastern are to cut services such as Maidstone. If Thameslink might extend to Maidstone, Canterbury and Ashford International when the December timetable is to be introduced. Despite the May 2018 timetable that has caused lots of disruptions and cancellations not just on Thameslink but on Southern and Great Northern.