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

Posted on by February 2, 2021

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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Nine days of longer journeys and diversions

Posted on by October 11, 2021

Starting this Saturday, 25 July, and for the whole of next week there will be nine days of changed times, longer journeys and diversions to Southeastern services from Sevenoaks.

Basically on the off-peak pattern fast trains on the Ashford/ Ramsgate route will be diverted to Victoria (journey time from Sevenoaks to Victoria around 35-40 minutes) and fast trains on the Tunbridge Wells/Hastings route will go to London Bridge and Charing Cross via New Beckenham (journey time around 35-40 minutes). Times of departure from Sevenoaks have changed a bit, and times of departure from London need to be checked.

Peak hour services appear a bit more complicated and need to be checked.

This is due to a major signalling switch-over at Hither Green. At least it is getting done while fewer people are travelling!

Senior Railcard Moments – April 2020

Posted on by June 4, 2020

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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