Maidstone East Fast Service: will DfT’s alternative be good enough?

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The Department for Transport will shortly propose to local MPs an “alternative” Maidstone East service instead of the through Thameslink service original promised from December 2018. We understand that it will be based on the existing Southeastern peak service that runs about hourly to and from Blackfriars.

Any alternative proposal for the Maidstone East line needs to be tested against the benefits offered to the community by the original proposal that is already over two years overdue.

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Local commuters demand “Honour Your Thameslink Commitments”

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Thameslink Train

Our local MP, Laura Trott has arranged a 30 minute public meeting with Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, about the government’s failure to provide the long awaited Maidstone East to Cambridge fast service. The meeting will start at 17.30 on December 14th 2020.

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Senior Railcard Moments – April 2020

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Delay Repay Claims: total 1 January 2020 to 30 April 2020 inclusive = £10.70
(Southeastern £10.70, Thameslink £0)

My Senior Railcard is gathering dust: April 2020 is the first month in which I have not travelled on a train for over forty-five years.

My Advance Ticket refunds are progressing well, and have been received for the following return journeys that I had booked: –

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1066 Electrics and All That

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Looking back through my papers recently I came across a British Rail advertising leaflet promoting the introduction of electric train services on the Hastings line. On Sunday 27 April 1986, a special gala day was held on the Tonbridge / Hastings line celebrating the introduction of the “1066 Electrics”.

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