Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Southeastern Railway Timetable Changes — [Carolyn Harris in the Chair]

06 December 2022 · 7 other contributors · 12,442 words

Opened by Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst

Responding minister: Huw Merriman

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Clive Efford raised concerns about southeastern railway timetable changes — [carolyn harris in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Southeastern obtained permission to cut rail services without consultation on August 4, affecting two trains on the New Eltham and Mottingham line and three on the Bexleyheath line.
  • The service cuts will reduce capacity by 20 percent, impacting 3,000 passengers at peak times.
  • Efford requests the Minister to monitor the situation after the new timetable is introduced to prevent overcrowding and maintain service quality.

Key requests to Government

Efford requests that the Minister monitor the situation after the new timetable is introduced to prevent a return to overcrowded trains and poor service.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst

On August 4, Southeastern obtained permission to cut rail services without consultation. The cuts include two trains from the morning peak in Clive Efford's constituency on the New Eltham and Mottingham line and three trains from the Bexleyheath line, reducing capacity by 20%. These changes will impact 3,000 passengers at peak time who will have to find spaces on remaining trains. The Kidbrooke station has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers due to new developments, with exits and entrances rising from 890,000 in 2010 to over 1 million post-pandemic. Efford also highlighted that the cuts ignore previous promises of additional capacity made by Southeastern.

Other contributors (7)
  • Abena Oppong-Asare Lab Erith and Thamesmead

    The MP highlighted that the Southeastern time changes are problematic due to cuts in the timetable without adequate consultation. She mentioned reduced frequency of services, lack of direct line connections to key London stations, and a delay in releasing an equality impact assessment. Constituents have expressed frustration over the need for additional train changes and concerns about accessibility at London Bridge station. The MP also raised issues regarding cancelled loop lines impacting shift workers and called for transport investment in southeast London.

  • David Evennett Con Bexleyheath and Crayford

    Noted the hon. Member's explanation of figures and highlighted increased demand in new apartments and houses being built in the London Borough of Bexley. David Evennett highlighted the adverse impact of Southeastern Railway's new timetable on his constituents in Bexleyheath and Crayford. He noted that the changes would worsen an already poor service, affecting three lines through his constituency: Bexleyheath, Sidcup, and Woolwich. The new schedule would reduce off-peak and weekend services to Charing Cross, impacting local commuters who rely on rail for daily travel. Evennett criticized Southeastern's decision not to consult the public and expressed dissatisfaction with the rationale provided by the company. The Member agrees with the Minister's transparency but expresses concern over weekend train services on the Bexleyheath line, arguing that reduced service could lead to a loss of passengers and revenue.

  • Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East

    Janet Daby expressed significant concerns about the impact of Southeastern's timetable changes on Blackheath station, noting that there will be no direct trains to Charing Cross during off-peak times. She shared constituents' fears regarding accessibility and safety issues, especially for elderly residents. Parents and young women in the Member's constituency prefer direct train services from one end to their destination rather than having to change at London Bridge, despite its attractions.

  • Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup

    Mr. Louie French expressed concern over Southeastern Railway's lack of consultation on timetable changes, particularly the drastic reduction in services at Albany Park station and the loss of off-peak Charing Cross services and the loop service on the Sidcup line. He noted that these changes would negatively impact local residents' travel options and increase commuting times, especially for vulnerable individuals. French also raised concerns about Southeastern's data usage to justify the changes and urged them to provide more services to Abbey Wood station off-peak.

  • Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

    Matthew Pennycook expressed deep scepticism about Southeastern's rationale for planned December timetable changes, questioning the justification behind drastic service reductions despite steady recovery in passenger numbers. He pointed out inconsistencies in Southeastern's explanations regarding overcrowding issues and noted that similar conditions were met previously without necessitating such radical changes. Pennycook also highlighted a lack of meaningful consultation with stakeholders before announcing these changes and accused Southeastern of implementing pre-pandemic cost-cutting plans under the guise of post-COVID adjustments. Southeastern approached the Department for Transport on 22 June with demand data from that time. The Member asks if there is a permanent level of demand reduction or if passenger numbers are expected to recover further.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Southeastern's proposed timetable changes will reduce train services and increase waiting times, exacerbating overcrowding issues. The MP raised concerns about the environmental impact of fewer rail services leading to more car use, loss of public trust due to lack of consultation, and safety risks for vulnerable passengers.

  • Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North

    Vicky Foxcroft raised concerns about the Southeastern railway timetable changes, highlighting that users of St John's station in her constituency are expecting to lose 19 services per day. She also mentioned environmental considerations and the difficulties faced by disabled people and those with young children due to reduced accessibility at Lewisham station. The Member reports that Lewisham station is very busy at times with significant safety concerns due to rerouting of passengers. She invites the Minister to meet with her and the Lewisham station user group for consultations.

Government Response

Huw Merriman

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Harris. I thank the hon. Member for Eltham (Clive Efford) for securing this important debate on Southeastern's rail timetable changes and acknowledge the concerns raised by Members about the lack of consultation and the impact on their constituencies. The changes are driven by financial constraints and altered travel habits due to the pandemic, aiming to create a more resilient and reliable service while reducing taxpayer subsidy. The new timetable is estimated to deliver a 12% reduction in cancellations and a 3% improvement in on-time station stops across Southeastern's network services. While there have been changes affecting certain routes, such as reduced direct services to Cannon Street or Charing Cross at off-peak times, passengers can change at London Bridge without additional costs or tube transfers. The minister assured that there are no plans to close Albany Park station and offered meetings with MPs and user groups to discuss concerns. He highlighted the benefits of the new timetable, including improved performance and increased service frequency on various lines. The minister committed to transparency in future changes, engaging Members at an early stage even if full consultations are not possible.

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