Train service under threat

[Girl82]

Bic Basher Wrote:

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> While I admire your campaign for the SLL and

> additional services into Victoria, it doesn't take

> into consideration the overall public transport

> infrastructure that Peckham and Camberwell have.

> An extensive bus service into Central London which

> compensates for the lack of rail services on a par

> with the likes of Hackney who also have similar

> issues with a higher bus to rail quota.

With respect, do you actually work in Central London? There's no way you can even begin to compare commuting in by bus with catching the train from Peckham Rye Station. The former can often take over an hour; the latter, 15 minutes. If I took the bus to work every day rather than the train, that would add an extra 1.5 hours every single day to my commute - not a pleasant prospect to say the least.

Also, the trains and buses are chronically overcrowded at peak times as it is. How exactly are the same number of people meant to get to work with half the amount of transport to take them there? Commuting is unpleasant and busy enough as it is with four trains an hour.

[James]

It appears from the above that those who don't use services that are under threat aren't bothered about them being under threat. Whereas those who do use them don't want them to be cut.

Who'd have thought it?

Perhaps those people who are being blase about it might consider for a moment how they would feel if a train service they relied on was suddenly withdrawn. Just a thought.

[benevetts]

So it rumbles on....the 'Save Wimbledon Loop' campaign is gaining pace, with an article appearing in last nights Evening Standard http://www.standard.co.uk/news/fate-of-thameslink-service-connecting-south-and-central-london-to-be-decided-in-weeks-7972656.html . Great to see Sutton speaking out in support, wouldn't it be terrific if our council could do the same? Those who have the time and inclination, please do write a letter to the paper in response pointing out the fact that this consultation has effectively put South East London residents in competition with those in the South West, the demand for the services and the promises that were made at the beginning of all the reconstruction work for through London services on the Catford loop line (Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye, Nunhead etc.)

[benevetts]

Please write to your councillors and get them to start putting pressure on the cabinet. According to a posting from Renata on the South East London forum (can't send link on this forum), Barrie Hargrove (Cabinet member for transport) hasn't yet filed the Southwark response so the more pressure we put on members the better, not least because with three (or four if you include Elephant and the knock on impact on connections across the borough) stations directly impacted by this, the council should be leading from the front on this.

[anonymous_third_part]

surely if demand for the victoria services is there, more trains will be put on this route in the future?

i agree that metro frequency with direct trains to victoria is pretty much essential from Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye- as this is a major terminus and area with a lot of offices etc.

[Earl Aelfheah]

The level of demand for trains to Victoria from inner London areas is almost irrelevant. The rail companies are run for private profit and in the interests of shareholders (and for those passengers whose interests converge with them). In an unregulated market, the train companies would probably cut out stops at inner London stations altogether as they slow the profitable longer distance commuter services on which the companies largely rely for profits. Those commuters only making a couple of stops from within inner London don?t pay much and make the companies primary product less attractive. Thankfully, the market is regulated and a nominal service to these stations is mandated in contracts / licences. However, outside the terms of these agreements, the train companies are very unlikely to offer any additional services, regardless of demand.

I would actually like to see a lot more of the lines which only serve inner London (such as the Wimbledon loop and south London line) handed over to tfl to be run in the interest of those living inside London (as with the London Overground).

[Undisputedtruth]

anonymous_third_part Wrote:

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> surely if demand for the victoria services is

> there, more trains will be put on this route in

> the future?

>

> i agree that metro frequency with direct trains to

> victoria is pretty much essential from Denmark

> Hill and Peckham Rye- as this is a major terminus

> and area with a lot of offices etc.

Rail companies are not particularly good at advertising their routes or have their map integrated with the tube map so that people can make a informed choice.

London Overground is popular but not for the reason Bic Bash has given. London Overground invested in train stocks with air conditioning, better marketing, all stations are fully manned, clear signage and frequent train services.

[missamberm]

Hi all,

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day of consultation. If you haven't already, there are lots of ways you can respond and raise your voice about this. Loads of tips on

https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheThameslink

and

http://www.bellenden.net/node/679

The proposed changes would really mess with my days - if you're in the same boat, now's your chance to say so.

Amber

[Renata Hamvas]

There is another thread on this too!

I have posted details on there. It is looking due to track layouts far more likely that the Wimbledon Loop service will be affected rather than the Sevenoaks Line.

Renata

[jj2]

Does anyone have an update on how trains from East Dulwich / Peckham Rye will look like once the new Thameslink programme is completed?

Will there be more frequent trains from Peckham Rye into the city and the same ones from ED?

Thanks

JJ

[Earl Aelfheah]

There used to be 6 trains an hour. I would hope that as part of any future franchise deal Southern would at least be required to get the service back up to what it was 6 years ago. I say at least, as considering the increase in passengers numbers in that time, you could reasonably expect them to offer more trains.