Thameslink service cuts: No Greenwich line service restoration until May at least
Thameslink’s current single train per hour service through Greenwich doesn’t look like being restored full time until at least May.
For many months the service has seen reduced service levels below a previous level of two trains per hour threaded between Southeastern services.
This has caused lengthy service intervals at station between Deptford and Charlton – as well as further out in Kent where Thameslink were providing two out of four trains per hour at stations such as Stone Crossing.
There does appear to be two trains per hour alongside two per hour from Southeastern during a week in April before it again reverts back to one.
Deptford, Greenwich, Maze Hill and Westcombe Park currently see three trains per hour rather than six before Thameslink commenced on the line – though are not spaced at regular intervals.
Thameslink’s bodged introduction on the Luton to Rainham route back in 2018 initially saw one train per hour, but Southeastern’s timetable wasn’t reduced to the same extent as now.
Major destination
As stated before on this site when covering the issue of reduced services, Greenwich is major destination for leisure travelers alongside areas employment, housing growth and a major University campus.
That wide range of clientele should ensure passenger numbers do not fall as far as commuter oriented stations, but long service gaps risk turning people away for rail.
Dividing rail services between two companies along the route appears to reveal apparent issues with dividing services between the two.
Go Ahead formerly ran both services but control of the Southeastern franchise ceased after it was revealed they were underpaying the Department for Transport. They still operate Thameslink, though most decisions for both are emanating from the Department for Transport and Treasury, who are seeking heavy rail cuts.
They could at least restore the peak time services, which are now getting very busy as more people start commuting again.
We need the Thameslink Timetable restored to at least two trains per immediately as Woolwich Resident is right services are getting busier as more people are commuting again.
The Greenwich Line as already seen cuts to services in to Charing Cross. We have seen more than our fair share of cuts to public transport services including train and bus services in Greenwich and South East London. Route 171 Catford to Elephant & Castle is to see a further frequency cut to every 12 minutes.
London bus routes.net confirm the frequency cut on route 171 to every 12 minutes during the day on Monday to Saturday will take place from Saturday 2nd April 2022. Another blow to passengers including those on low incomes and vulnerable People who rely on the bus to get around London.