Among the improvements in Southern’s new December timetable is a direct train from Eastbourne and Lewes in East Sussex to London Bridge.

Departing from Eastbourne at 06:47, the service is of enormous benefit to London commuters. The service started yesterday, Monday, 15th December, and arrived five minutes early at London Bridge.

Another direct service has also been introduced for the return journey to Eastbourne in the evening.

A direct service between Eastbourne, Lewes and London was removed from the timetable during the pandemic but was never reinstated.

However, as passenger numbers have risen, the service has been reinstated and will provide more seats for passengers travelling on the busy line. To mark the departure of the first train, a celebration event with local MP Josh Babarinde took place at Eastbourne station.

The new service will run Mondays to Thursdays, but will not run during school holidays. Departure time from Eastbourne is 06:47 am with an arrival at London Bridge at 08:25 am.

In the evening, the return service departs from London Bridge at 5:03 pm and arrives at Eastbourne at 6:35 pm. The train will also stop at Hampden Park, Polegate, Berwick, Glynde, Lewes, Cooksbridge, Plumpton, Haywards Heath, Three Bridges and East Croydon.

Jenny Saunders, Southern’s Customer Services Director, commented that they are delighted to have been able to introduce this direct service from the coast to the capital, as they know it is something their customers have been calling for. They are doing everything they can to encourage people back to rail, which is the most sustainable form of public transport. We want our services to get you to where you need to be comfortably and reliably.

Last year, a trial of short-stay parking rates was introduced at Eastbourne and Lewes stations.

“I am delighted that our campaign to restore the direct train service between Eastbourne and London Bridge has been successful – this is a massive win for our town. A huge thank you to everyone who backed the campaign, both in person and online. Your support made all the difference and showed just how vital strong transport links are for our town. I’m incredibly grateful to Govia Thameslink Railway and Southern for their cooperation throughout this process and their help in getting Eastbourne back on track!”

Josh Babarinde MP