Thameslink off to a cracking start

Today is the first day of Thameslink services down the Woolwich line. Except it isn’t, as every train so far has been cancelled.

Rumours have swirled for weeks and months that there is a lack of drivers to operate this route, which I first covered back in March.

The lesser spotted Thameslink. Image courtesy of julienghien1 under Creative Commons 2.0

Today doesn’t bode well for the coming week (with Thameslink already cutting some trains) but we’ll have to see how it goes tomorrow withthe first trains running all the way to Luton. Any cancellations leave stations such as Greenwich and Deptford with a reduced service as Thameslink replaces some Southeastern services.



By the way, a poor aspect of the new timetable on the Southeastern side is a poor two trains an hour service on Sundays on busy suburban lines such as Sidcup and Bexleyheath.

After all the time and expense, a turn up and go interval of every 15 minutes on a Sunday should’ve been provided. These lines serve busy towns and have annual passenger numbers from 2-3+ million.

30 minute gaps do not get people out of cars to help lessen congestion.

Will it change in future?

You can support the site and donate at ko-fi.com/fromthemurkydepths

Or become a Patron at www.patreon.com/themurkydepths

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

Adverts are far from enough to cover site costs and my rent.

You can support me via Paypal here

Another option is via Patreon by clicking here

You can also buy me a beer/coffee at Ko-fi here

There's also a Facebook page for the site here

Many thanks

J Smith

I've lived in south east London most of my life growing up in Greenwich borough and working in the area for many years. The site has contributors on occasion and we cover many different topics. Living and working in the area offers an insight into what is happening locally.

7 thoughts on “Thameslink off to a cracking start

  • Was never planned to start this weekend due to engineering works between Slade Green and Dartford, nowhere to reverse them as they don’t fit in the Plumstead sidings… But hey don’t let that get in the way of a good bashing 🙂

    Reply
    • It’s in the timetable and all journey planners. Not being able to turn a 8 coach train at Plumstead a bit of an oversight when 10 car SE trains do it. Not going to help during frequent engineering work

      Reply
  • Looks like the 1555 TL departure from Deptford is operating and is on time

    Reply
    • So either the lesser spotted Class 700 does, in fact, fit into the Plumstead sidings, or replacement stock (319s ??) had been sourced at very short notice. But if Class 700’s don’t fit, what happened to route proving ??
      Inquiring minds, and all that.

      Reply
  • The cancellation reasons from the public data feed are “planning error”. After all these years of, errrr, planning…. You couldn’t make it up.

    Reply
  • The SE frequencies were never meant to be increased at this stage – only the Thameslink services that replace or supplement them – such as the Catford Loop.

    In the consultation for the next SE franchise I expressed a wish for a 4tph service on Sundays as we have Monday to Saturday. Hopefully you all did too and some notice will be taken.

    Reply
  • As much as I agree with all youve always said about poor execution and the Greenwich line getting a raw deal, i must say that thameslink provides a far superior travel experience / environment than old southeastern stock. The trains are actually fit for purpose!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.