Views sought on major shake-up of Southern train services
Trains are set to run more frequently on some key routes in Hampshire and Sussex
Rail commuters in Hampshire and Sussex are being asked for their views on changes to Southern services - which could see more trains on some of their busiest routes.
The rail operator has opened a consultation on plans for a redesigned timetable, which could come into effect next year.
The biggest changes would see the number of trains doubled on lines between Portsmouth and London via Horsham and Gatwick Airport, and between Southampton and Brighton, from once to twice an hour.
London to Portsmouth services would also serve Portsmouth Harbour rather than terminating at Portsmouth and Southsea station, allowing rail passengers better access to cross-channel ferries.
However, the plans have come under fire from some in Southampton, as they would remove the non-stop service to London Victoria via Gatwick Airport - forcing those heading for the airport to change trains at Barnham.
The two-per-hour service would now start from Portsmouth instead.
Jenny Saunders, Govia Thameslink Railway’s Customer Service Director, said:
"We’re confident that the reliability and capacity improvements these proposals are designed to achieve would benefit passengers on local and longer-distance journeys across the West Coastway."
The other changes include:
• Quicker journey times on the Southampton-Brighton route, with an extra stop at Woolston, where easy connections with the local bus networks provide easy access to Southampton city centre
• A new, half-hourly, all-stations Brighton to Chichester service via Littlehampton, improving local journeys and providing extra capacity on the busy route between Brighton and Worthing
The changes follow a similar redesign on the East Coastway timetable, which featured increased services between Brighton and Eastbourne.
Southern has said it is set to hold in-person events at stations along the West Coastway line in August and September to give passengers an opportunity to discuss the changes, with more details to be released in the coming weeks.
The programme is open for comments until September 27th.
Full details can be found here and feedback can be sent to gtr.timetableconsultation@gtrailway.com.