South Western Railway to cut some services from next week
South Western Railway are to introduce cuts to certain services next week until the end of August.
In a little advertised section of their website the company have announced reductions over the summer, stating:
“This amended timetable includes the reduction of a small number of quieter, off-peak services during the summer holiday, when fewer customers are looking to travel.”
However some passengers have expressed irritation about the late notice of service cuts as well as referring to some services being “quieter” given they run around the peaks and can be busy.
In addition details are lacking on the SWR website of exactly what services are reduced, with people having to search individual journeys rather than a full, altered timetable being visible.
It appears (though SWR aren’t stating that) it’s to train drivers as part of introducing new trains which are five years late and counting.
Whilst this may be for the greater good, communications appear poor.
South Western Railway were recently nationalised with some proclaiming the move as a great step forward.
For those of use who regularly use nationalised operators such as Southeastern (almost four years now since government took control) it’s clear that while it can help reduce inefficiencies between train and infrastructure operator, nationalisation alone is no panacea.
If the Department for Transport and Treasury insist on cuts or all savings made instead head elsewhere and aren’t reinvested in the railway then ultimately the passenger – and wider economy – does not benefit.
It’s notable that in the year since taking power, some cuts campaigned against in opposition have not been reversed on Southeastern Metro by this government now in power – despite it being government controlled.
South Western Railway should start thinking about getting rid of the Class 455 that are getting old and to introduce more Class 701 Arterio trains on the rest of the suburban routes in and around Southwest London.
And to start using the Class 701 on the Reading, Windsor & Eton Riverside, Dorking, Woking, Guildford and Aldershot services. Since South Western Railway started introducing the Class 701 back in 2021. And the Class 707 cascaded to Southeastern.
Of course that Class 701 Arterios have entered service 5 years late not just because of driver training. But also the impact of what Covid-19 (Coronavirus) have caused these new trains to be delayed as a result. Still I would like to see more Arterio trains in service and to say goodbye to the Class 455.
Also is South Western Railway still keeping the Class 458 and to continue using them on outer-suburban services and perhaps use them on the Alton Line. Or will they too be sent for scrap.