The proposal from Network Rail to upgrade Reigate Station and connect Reigate with Thameslink has had strong support from local residents and passengers following drop-in sessions earlier in 2020.
In February 2020, plans for Reigate were revealed by Network Rail.
The proposals include plans to widen and extend platform 2 and the creation of a platform 3 to allow 12-carriage trains to terminate at Reigate and turn back towards London.
Work could start in 2023 to create additional capacity and improve reliability on the Brighton Main Line.
Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway held six events in February 2020, and of the 429 responses received, 87% showed support for the upgrade, and 72% supported proposed service alterations.
In addition to the platform extension, the proposal for Reigate includes a new larger car park and the introduction of step-free access.
John Halsall, managing director, Network Rail Southern region, said: “The platforms at Reigate are currently too short for Thameslink trains to call, which means services to and from London Victoria need to split and join up at Redhill, often holding passengers up, especially during peak times.
“By lengthening the platform for longer trains, we can increase capacity and reduce delays, keeping passengers moving.”
Angie Doll, managing director, Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “These comprehensive proposals would not only transform journey opportunities and experience for our passengers using Reigate station, but would allow reliability and capacity improvements across the busiest part of our network. It's very pleasing to see such strong local support.”
Crispin Blunt, MP for Reigate said: “I am fully supportive of Network Rail's plans to create a new long platform at Reigate Station to enable 12-car Thameslink trains to terminate there and facilitate direct services from Reigate to London Bridge.
“This has long been an integral part of the Thameslink south coast upgrade scheme and, along with improvements at East Croydon, Gatwick Airport and Norwood Hill, forms part of integrated plans by Network Rail to give Brighton Main Line passengers more reliable, more frequent and faster services.
“I welcome the plans for increased parking facilities at Reigate Station and also the commitment to exploring signalling options to reduce the level-crossing barrier down-time.”
Cllr Richard Biggs, Executive Member for Planning Policy, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council said: “We support, in principle, the proposal to increase capacity, improve connections and provide a more reliable service for people travelling to and from Reigate Station. I'm pleased to see so many people shared their views in the survey.
“The Council will continue to work with Network Rail to make the case for investment in our railways.”
What are your thoughts on the proposed upgrade to Reigate Station? Let us know in the comments below!
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Could the North Downs Line might be electrified from Reigate to Guildford. Or is GWR to introduce the Class 769 Tri-mode units in service before the end of 2020. They should of started using the Class 769s last year but why has it still been delayed & pushed back.
Be good to see a new bay platform 3 being built at Reigate station to accommodate Southern Class 377 Electrostars and Thameslink Class 700 Desiro City. And to introduce a new service to Reigate via Redhill from Cambridge or Cambridge North, Peterborough, Bedford or Luton, St. Albans City, West Hampstead Thameslink or Kentish Town and London Bridge or Blackfriars. With using Thameslink Class 700/0 8-Car and Class 700/1 12-Car to be used.