Southeastern boost off-peak train lengths on some Metro lines
Southeastern last week begun running a new timetable which brought a number of changes publicised by the rail company.
Yet one improvement evident since last week wasn’t highlighted with off-peak train lengths on certain Metro lines now seeing more carriages.
Alongside rail cuts in 2022 we ended up with many (but not all) off-peak services reduced to four carriages. This resulted in some rather busy services.
Generally bearable but I’ve seen a couple of instances where those in a wheelchair or parents with buggies have struggled.
Since last week it seemed clear first hand that trains off-peak through Abbey Wood and Woolwich were all a minimum of five carriages – and using stock with more internal space for wheelchairs and buggies such as the Class 707 City Beam and Class 376.
Looking up services online at the excellent Live Rail Record site appears to back that up with off-peak services either five or eight coaches in length. That applies to two per hour to Dartford from Abbey Wood as well as the loop-line services.
A welcome improvement and hopefully one that makes things a bit easier in particular for those in wheelchairs and parents with buggies.
The Class 707 City Beam that were transferred from South Western Railway few years ago have made such a difference when all 30 Class 707s were cascaded from SWR. And of course Siemens who built the Class 707 Desiro City.
It’s nice to see that Southeastern are still using them on the Hayes Line, Dartford Line (via Slade Green, Eltham and Sidcup) and on the North Kent line to Gravesend, Strood and Rochester.
And also using them to Orpington and Sevenoaks and working alongside with the Class 376, Class 465, Class 466, Class 375 and Class 377.