- 96% of trains hit their punctuality target during the morning peak on Friday
- Southeastern supporting the rail industry as new Thameslink timetable is progressively introduced
This week, commuters across London, Kent and East Sussex travelled to work using services operating to Southeastern’s new timetable.
While over the course of the week the service faced a number of challenges, including a lightning strike at Hither Green on Wednesday and a cable theft on the Sheerness branch on Thursday, we are pleased to say that at the end of the first week, Southeastern services are largely running smoothly, with no cancellations or major incidents and the overwhelming majority of trains getting people to work on time.
A 96% punctuality figure is well above average for Friday morning peak time, and is a positive outcome at the end of the first working week for the new timetable.
Ellie Burrows, Train Services Director at Southeastern said:
“We know that for many passengers that it can be challenging to adapt to a new train timetable, with service schedules becoming embedded in the daily routine of many people who commute to the capital and across the south east for work. The new services mean more choice and better journeys and it looks as if the vast majority of our passengers have been able to adapt their journeys to the new times without problems.
“These changes have allowed us to introduce more services onto the Southeastern network, better supporting local business and communities across London, Kent and East Sussex which depend on the railway.
“While some areas are busier at present as we support Thameslink in the introduction of their new timetable, there are more seats on Highspeed services in the morning peak from Ashford, an increased train frequency in places like Greenwich and Orpington, faster journeys from Gravesend and Dartford into the capital, and better connections. Services from Rainham now connect passengers to destinations as far north as Luton.
“Network Rail engineers will be out in force again this late May bank holiday, with work across the region to upgrade and repair the South East’s railway, so I’d urge people to check before they travel as there will be diversions and changes to train times, most notably in South London.”
