Southeastern rail on track to deliver a more comfortable service this summer
Southeastern rail’s new timetable is set to come into place from May 18th onwards to “support a growing railway”.
A new and improved timetable will add extra capacity to provide more space on the busiest services.
More of the newer Class 377 Electrostar trains are coming in to improve the customer experience.
This extra space is to help to support 10 million extra journeys over the next 12 months.
Some of the big timetable changes being put in are on the Ramsgate to Cannon Street, the Dover Priory to London Victoria Line and the Gillingham to London Victoria line which are all receiving extra carriages as they are some of the busiest lines.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “This is exactly the passenger-focussed approach our railway needs, encouraging people to take the train by providing more capacity and better-quality services where people want them most.
“On top of this, we have rolled out contactless ticketing further across the Southeast to make it easier and cheaper to choose rail.
“This is all part of our plans for the biggest overhaul of the railways in a generation, which will deliver for passengers, drive growth and boost the economy.”
Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s Operations and Safety Director said: “We know the importance of a safe, reliable and comfortable journey for our customers. We’re working hard with our partners Network Rail to constantly monitor all feedback we receive and improve our services accordingly.
“Our railway is growing. The changes we’re introducing this May will deliver more space where it’s needed most and newer more comfortable air-conditioned trains.
“We’re also working to improve on-time running and reliability to keep cancellations among the lowest in the country.”
More of the newer trains being used on the railways will mean that trains that are fully fitted with air-conditioning and new seating will be in place for the summer when trains are often busiest and the most uncomfortable for passengers.
For a full list of the website changes visit the south eastern rail press release by clicking this link: https://newsroom.southeasternrailway.co.uk/news/southeastern-introduces-timetable-boost-from-may-with-newer-trains-and-more-carriages-to-support-a-growing-railway