Southeastern is introducing another improvement to its timetable from Sunday 18 May that adds more space and newer trains for customers across London, Kent and East Sussex.
The operator provided just over 135 million journeys in 2024, a 7% increase compared to 2023, and a 19% increase compared to 2022. This new timetable aims to support further growth and space for an extra 10 million customer journeys over the next 12 months.
Southeastern will also introduce more modern trains as the Class 377 Electrostars enter service, with air-conditioning, charging points, and a more comfortable environment.
The trains will operate on most services from Ashford International and Maidstone East to Victoria and Charing Cross.
Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s Operations and Safety Director said:
“We know the importance of a safe, reliable and comfortable journey for our customers. We’re working hard with our partners Network Rail to constantly monitor all feedback we receive and improve our services accordingly.
“Our railway is growing. The changes we’re introducing this May will deliver more space where it’s needed most and newer more comfortable air-conditioned trains.
“We’re also working to improve on-time running and reliability to keep cancellations among the lowest in the country.”
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
“This is exactly the passenger-focussed approach our railway needs, encouraging people to take the train by providing more capacity and better-quality services where people want them most.
“On top of this, we have rolled out contactless ticketing further across the South East to make it easier and cheaper to choose rail.
“This is all part of our plans for the biggest overhaul of the railways in a generation, which will deliver for passengers, drive growth and boost the economy.”
More connections are also being added for the stations between Ashford International and Maidstone East to Charing Cross, and there will be more calls at East Malling and Barming stations in the late afternoon and early evening to meet increasing demand.
The growing Southeastern railway will see more carriages added key peak services where they are needed most, including the 05.46 Dover Priory to Victoria, 07.02 Ramsgate to Cannon Street and 07.50 Sevenoaks to Charing Cross.
In East Kent there will be additional stops at Thanet Parkway on trains to and from Dover Priory to improve connectivity to Canterbury West.
The May timetable will also include longer trains during the summer, providing more space for customers travelling to the likes of Whitstable, Margate and Broadstairs. Southeastern will also continue the improved Friday and Saturday evening services from Margate to support customers attending events at Dreamland.
Improvements to the Southeastern fleet are also continuing this year and customers will see In addition to timetable improvements, customers will also see improvements to the Southeastern fleet introduced during the year.
The interior refurbishment of the Class 395 ‘Javelin’ highspeed trains is nearing completion and the first unit with the new external livery is now in customer service alongside a new passenger information system. More improvements will be added alongside the interior refurbishment in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the Class 376 upgrade is underway and will provide an extensive interior refresh, including a full re-paint, new plug sockets, refurbished seats and LED lighting.
Image credit: Southeastern
