Thameslink Wimbledon Loop services saved

[Bic Basher]

The Government have decided to keep the through service on the Wimbledon loop which runs via Tulse Hill and Loughborough Junction. This could have implications for the through service via Denmark Hill from 2018 which is proposed to only have 2tph to Sevenoaks as now.

http://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/news/2013/1/passenger_watchdog_welcomes_government_s_decision_to_reverse_plans_to_end_wimbledon_loop_services_in

[James]

Does this mean we will have ours cut then? Once again SE London losing out to more affluent suburbs?

[womanofdulwich]

I dont think Herne Hill, Loughborough Junction or Tulse Hill are more affluent suburbs.

[Bic Basher]

More on this from the DfT.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-safeguards-future-of-the-wimbledon-loop

A possibility is that two of the orginally proposed Thameslink services which would have run via PR and DH will become the SLL alternative to Victoria which would also call at Clapham High Street and Wandsworth Road.

[LondonMix]

So Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye would lose service to Thameslink (instead stopping at Blackfriars) but regain service to Victoria in 2018? Can you elaborate as its not clearly detailed on the link?

[Bic Basher]

LondonMix Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> So Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye would lose service

> to Thameslink (instead stopping at Blackfriars)

> but regain service to Victoria in 2018? Can you

> elaborate as its not clearly detailed on the link?

The original plan was for four services per hour through DH and PR. As the Loop has been saved, we lose two of those slots to them in the Thameslink Core section. However those two paths can still be used for a direct service to Victoria instead via Bellingham calling at the SLL stations along the route except for Battersea Park. (QRP and South Bermondsey passengers would still have to change at PR regardless).

My understanding is the existing 2tph would continue as now through the core section. (Blackfriars to Kentish Town)

[James]

>> I dont think Herne Hill, Loughborough Junction or Tulse Hill are more affluent suburbs.

I think that SW London is generally more affluent than SE, and their train/tube offering is superior on the whole despite the new much-needed Overground extension.

I guess Boris has more mates in Wandsworth, and that can go a long way...

[LondonMix]

That's a good outcome. There would be no reduction in service but instead of increasing service to City Thameslink, connections to Victoria would be restored to close to their 2012 levels. Bic, what's your stance on this? Do you support this outcome or would you think the area would benefit more from enhanced City Thameslink connections?

Bic Basher Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> LondonMix Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > So Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye would lose

> service

> > to Thameslink (instead stopping at Blackfriars)

> > but regain service to Victoria in 2018? Can

> you

> > elaborate as its not clearly detailed on the

> link?

>

> The original plan was for four services per hour

> through DH and PR. As the Loop has been saved, we

> lose two of those slots to them in the Thameslink

> Core section. However those two paths can still

> be used for a direct service to Victoria instead

> via Bellingham calling at the SLL stations along

> the route except for Battersea Park. (QRP and

> South Bermondsey passengers would still have to

> change at PR regardless).

>

> My understanding is the existing 2tph would

> continue as now through the core section.

> (Blackfriars to Kentish Town)

[Renata Hamvas]

I am waiting for clarification from DFT as to what is happening on the Sevenoaks (Kentish Town)and the Orpington Lines (Bedford). Currently there are 2TPH on the Sevenoaks Line and about 2TPH on the Orpington Line in peak time only. Reading the not very clear press releases, it is implied that the Sevenoaks trains would continue through London (I've asked for confirmation), but there is no mention of the Orpington Service. I only take these trains occasionally, but I know between 7 and 10am northbound and 4 to 7pm Southbound, they are sardine cans. This is with the extra trains, so they are essential to this route.

Renata

[v_the_gelfling]

Herne Hill is a pretty affluent neighbourhood, I would say.

The Sevenoaks/ Orpington train is packed whenever I get on it at, as Renata says. Southwark did very little to notify its residents of these changes whereas the Wimbledon route got lots of coverage. A real shame.

[msbellenden]

I use the train from PR to Blackfriars to get to and from work every day and it's always packed during rush hour. I'd be really concerned if there were any plans to reduce the frequency of this service.

Is that what is being proposed?

[Renata Hamvas]

Hi, to inform you that the Wimbledon lobby had years to build up support for this, as the Wimbledon service was earmarked to be cut due to the platform layouts. DFT have been useless at responding. We only knew that there was possbly a threat to the Sevenoaks/Orpington service last summer.

The Sevenoaks/Orpington service is struggling at peak times, even with extra trains at these times. I have been made aware of issues at Peckham Rye during rush hour. Peckham Rye is basically now a hub station so there are more people getting on the Thameslink trains than before. It has been reported to me that some mornings, not everyone can physically fit on the 8am train. I don't think this was considered, not just people using the overground service or increased numbers on the Dartford to Victoria service, but more people using the Thameslink services.

Renata

[the-e-dealer]

I gave up trying to get the Blackfriars Train and go to Victoria and get a bus a couple of years ago. Used to be good / seats available but not any more.

[v_the_gelfling]

I was on that train this morning to Blackfriars and yep, there were plenty of people who were unable to get on.