We've been listening to customers’ feedback and using journey data to assess how people are travelling, following the introduction of our December 2022 timetable. In light of that, from 22 May 2023, in agreement with the Department for Transport, we are taking action by reinstating a direct off-peak service to Charing Cross on the Bexleyheath line, which will run hourly, Monday to Saturday.
These trains will be in addition to those provided by the current timetable meaning over 300 services will operate each week, directly to and from Charing Cross on the Bexleyheath line.
It's clear that there's substantial demand on the Bexleyheath line for direct services that call at Waterloo East on the way to Charing Cross. Overall, this decision should benefit passengers on the Bexleyheath line and better balance demand across Southeastern’s Metro services, supporting the West End economy.
For taxpayers, this decision balances the need to manage the cost of providing rail services, with the need to generate fare revenue that supports the provision and development of them.
Although this decision relates to a specific part of our network, we're committed to working with customers and stakeholders to develop our timetable in the future. We'll continue to listen as the travel habits of our customers change.
