29 Apr 2021

More trains back in Southeastern’s timetable from Sunday 16th May

Additional fast and stopping services on key routes
Some off-peak services reinstated
More early morning services, and extra trains for day-trippers to the Kent coast
Limited number of additional and longer trains also reinstated from Monday 26^th April

Additional fast and stopping services will be reintroduced on key Southeastern routes from the timetable change on Sunday 16^th May, with more services in the early mornings also added.

A small number of changes are also being brought forward with effect from Monday 26^th April, from 16^th May, because of increasing passenger demand, while earlier trains and additional stops for NHS and shift workers (such as on the Chatham Mainline, and at Denmark Hill) are being reintroduced in response to passenger feedback.

As part of our safer travel pledge, Southeastern is taking extra steps to ensure that all passengers can travel with confidence:

Frequent deep cleaning trains and stations using anti-viral products, increasing our focus on cleaning high-touch areas and providing hand sanitiser at busy stations.
SeatFinder tools on our app and on the website: so that passengers can check how busy a train might be

Southeastern is also reminding passengers of ways in which to keep safe when travelling by train:

Wearing a face covering, unless you are exempt, remembering to maintain social distancing where possible, carry hand sanitiser and wash your hands before and after travel. For more information, please check our website.
Using Southeastern’s contactless smartcard - the Key - which enables passengers to buy and download tickets at home, via our website or app. Using the Key means passengers can fast-track through the station and avoid queues. It’s also wipeable, and easy to clean. Order your Key card online from our website.

Scott Brightwell, Train Services Director for Southeastern said:

“As the country opens up further, we’re looking forward to welcoming more passengers back to traveling with us. While we’re currently seeing around 30% of passengers using our trains compared with before the pandemic, we’ve been monitoring levels of demand and increasing the number of carriages available for service on the busiest routes. We’ll continue to do so where possible.

“With indoor and outdoor entertainment and attractions re-opening, larger events re-starting, and domestic overnight stays allowed once again from May 17th, we’ll do everything we can to ensure that the railway can support a great summer for everyone.”

Contact information

Southeastern Press Office

0330 095 9091

press.office@southeasternrailway.co.uk

Notes to editors

View your timetable on the Southeastern website.
Further timetable uplifts are planned for later this year, in September and December.

Summary of changes

High Speed (weekdays)	An additional 14:55 service from London St Pancras to Faversham and a 15:30 return service have been added. The 15:25 service from London St Pancras-Ramsgate now terminates at Faversham, with a connection onto Ramsgate.
Chatham Mainline (weekdays)	An additional 05:50 service has been added from Faversham to London Cannon Street. The 07:56 service from Ramsgate-London Charing Cross via Sandwich will start back from Faversham at 07:05 calling at all stations. This provides a direct service to Sandwich for school pupils from beyond Ramsgate. An additional 17:41 service will run between London Cannon Street-Dover Priory. Additional off-peak services will run between London Victoria and Ramsgate via Whitstable and Margate for day-trippers to the coast. From Monday 26^th April: An additional 05:50 service will run from Faversham-London Cannon Street via the Medway Towns.
Chatham Mainline (Saturdays)	The 05:00 service from Gillingham to London Victoria has an additional stop at Denmark Hill for NHS and shift workers in London.
Maidstone East line (weekdays)	An additional fast service will run from Ashford-London Victoria at 09:10. From Monday 26^th April: An additional service will run from Ashford to London Victoria at 06:15.
Hastings line (weekdays)	Off-peak services from London Charing Cross-Hastings via Tunbridge Wells are reinstated. From Monday 26^th April: The 16:20 Hastings-London Charing Cross train will be formed of eight carriages, as will the 18:15 London Charing Cross-Hastings service.
London Bridge Metro	On weekdays there will be an additional 07:45 service from Barnehurst-London Charing Cross, calling all stations via Bexleyheath. At off-peak times, and in the evening, the London Charing Cross-Dartford service via Blackheath and Woolwich Arsenal is reinstated. At off-peak times, the stopping service from London Charing Cross-Sevenoaks via Grove Park is also reinstated.
Victoria Metro	On Saturday mornings, the following additional services between Dartford-London Victoria will run to provide NHS and shift workers at Denmark Hill earlier services: 05:32 and 06:02 from Dartford-London Victoria 06:04 and 06:34 from London Victoria-Dartford From Monday 26^th April: An additional 06:02 Swanley-London Victoria service will run.