Passengers on the Brighton Main Line are being asked to provide feedback on proposals showing major work to unblock the bottleneck at Croydon to provide more frequent services.
The proposals include plans to add extra tracks in the Croydon area, more platforms at East Croydon, and a series of new flyovers and dive-unders to replace congested junctions where lines from the South Coast, Sussex and Surry meet those from London Victoria and London Bridge.
From today, passengers can view the proposals online via networkrail.co.uk/Croydon
A live chat facility will be available from today until Sunday 28 June at:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 10:00 – 15:00
- Wednesday – 16:00 – 20:00
The hotline is available from today until Friday 17 July at:
- Monday to Wednesday – 10:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 16:00
- Thursday – 18:00 – 20:00
- Saturday – 10:00 – 12:00
John Halsall, Network Rail managing director, southern region, said: “These are clearly challenging times for the country and the rail industry, but we know that a safe, reliable and punctual railway will remain absolutely vital to the region and the country's economy. That is why we must continue to plan for the long term and progress proposals to unblock the Croydon bottleneck and remove the single greatest constraint on train punctuality and capacity on the Brighton Main Line. Please get involved in the consultation, view the proposals and don't miss the opportunity to share your views.”
Councillor Tony Newman, leader, London Borough of Croydon said: “As a major transport hub and destination in the south-east and as one of London's growth boroughs, it is vital Croydon has the rail and transport infrastructure in place to support its evolution. These enhancements are desperately needed and will significantly improve travel for Croydon residents and those working in and visiting our town centre, so I am pleased this important scheme is progressing in spite of the current challenges.”
Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital, said: “Every train journey whether for business or pleasure in our region depends on enhancements along the Brighton Mainline which is fundamental to our economy. The Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme is a robust plan which has been recommended by Network Rail which we strongly support. I would urge you to view the proposals and respond to the consultation online.”
Chris Philp MP, Croydon South, said: “I welcome this next step in a crucial redevelopment of the Brighton Mainline. Not only is this project a huge boost for Croydon and it's commuters but one that has the potential to effect the journeys of millions. I look forward to seeing the project move forward as quickly as possible”.
Steve White, Chief Operating Officer of Govia Thameslink Railway which operates Southern and Thameslink trains through the station, said: “This is one of the busiest stretches of railway in the country and a huge constraint on our service. These improvements would make a massive difference to our passengers by reducing delays and boosting capacity and I urge people to take part in the consultation.”
Sarah Jones MP, Croydon Central, said: “East Croydon station is vital to so many of my constituents and I know that they will be happy to see these plans take shape – I certainly am. Investment in Croydon's rail infrastructure has been a long-time coming and the reduced travel times into London, extra platforms and additional lines that are proposed here would be a very welcome development. I'm glad that at this time of great uncertainty, we're able to look forward to Croydon's continued growth.”
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Nagged?? iPad has a vocabulary all of it’s own! My point is, embrace the consultation good or bad and make your voice heard.
On a positive note, we cannot, and must not, try and stop the future; covid-19 will eventually release it’s grip on our society, and the last 2 week-ends have shown the determination of people to go out and travel whatever the rights or wrongs. I would be saddened to stand on East Croydon station as it is now in 10 years time knowing that an opportunity was missed, especially if it meant our roads were even more congested and unhealthy as a nagged with the consultation and think ‘tomorrow’.
Does it include Gatwick Airport station to be redeveloped. If East Croydon is to move little bit north from its current location. Would it include extra platforms and to sort out the bottleneck at Selhurst Junction.
I hate to be negative, but surely the current sole focus of the rail industry and its stakeholders should be getting through, and mitigating, the cv19 crisis.
It is frankly scandalous that huge unaffordable subsidies continue to be thrown at running trains with as many passengers as coaches. Key workers should be given free taxis. The passenger railway should be immediately mothballed away from selected key routes in the London SE area with staff furloughed and then made redundant. The vast sums of public money would be diverted into social care.
Meanwhile, there is no innovative mitigation. No replacement of windows allowing passengers access to fresh air ventilation (even only in certain coaches); no respacing of seats; no compartments reserved for over 50s, with proper policing.
The rail industry is like a rabbit caught in the headlamps, knowing that the Treasury is rightly about to stop these hopelessly unaffordable and indefensible subsidies for deserted train (and tram/bus) services.
Only after a cv19 vaccine allows reassurance to the utterly paranoid British public can an urgent review produce a programme for reopening of the mothballed lines. Sadly some lines may not survive long-term if passengers don’t return in sufficient numbers.
Subsidies for empty trains are utterly indefensible