From:
To:
RailProspectus
Cc:
Subject:
A new approach to Rail Passenger Services in London and the South East
Date:
18 March 2016 16:23:40
Dear Madam or Sir
I am responding to the consultation document “A new approach to Rail Passenger Services in
London and the South East”
On balance, I believe that
will benefit from TfL and DfT forming a partnership with
a combined Board that runs services within the current Southeaster franchise area. Any
arrangements must be fully cogniscent of local commuting patterns which mean that a large
proportion
Crossrail will clearly relieve some pressure and
add further choice.
The intermediate stopping service is very important linking Gillingham and the Medway towns
through Gravesend, Dartford, Abbey Wood (Crossrail), Woolwich Arsenal, Charlton (change to
Greenwich line), Blackheath (change to Bexleyheath line) and Lewisham through to Waterloo
East and Charing Cross. However, currently this is only a 2 trains per hour service with very few
trains during the vital peak period. I would strongly urge that any changes ensure this
intermediate service is retained as at least a 4 tph service throughout the day. Crossrail will not
relieve this particular route, it may have some impact on the Cannon Street line.
This also serves to take significant local commuter and school traffic from Woolwich and
Charlton to Blackheath and Lewisham (and vice versa) meaning a significant modal shift. The
absence of peak services at the moment , force people onto very slow buses that are invariable
stuck in peak traffic caused by selfish local motorists. Many of these car drivers could be
persuade to shift to rail if they were certain of a regular service at peak times.
Another issue is the ability to get a seat. It can be often 45 minutes from Woolwich Arsenal to
Charing Cross and most passengers strongly prefer to sit down. There would be serious
reservations about a London Overground style train with benches of seats and largely just
standing space.
residents would also like some Victoria services if this were feasible providing greater
connectivity to the London Overground line and Thameslink line at Peckham Rye and Denmark
Hill.
Woolwich is a fast expanding town and major metro centre. The DLR opened in 2009 and
demand has exceeded all expectations despite being the only DLR station in Zone 4. Whereas,
traditionally, many people worked locally at the Royal Arsenal and in Charlton Riverside, now
most commute. And this is far more true of recently arrived residents in the area.
It would also be good for a new Woolwich Arsenal booking office and entrance hall combining
both the rail and DLR stations with new facilities and security measures.