Southeastern to run more trains from September ahead of expected demand increase

A Southeastern train travels along HS1 towards London Credit: PA Images

Rail operator, Southeastern, is to put on more services from the twelfth of September - ahead of an expected increase in demand.

The new timetable will up the frequency of some services and increase the length of trains on some routes, meaning there should be more space on board for passengers.

The changes include:

  • Eight trains per hour on the Bexleyheath and Sidcup lines at the busiest times, with six trains per hour on the Sidcup line either side of peak times

  • Additional off-peak trains reintroduced between Hayes-Charing Cross, with longer trains in the morning peak

  • Longer trains introduced on the Bexleyheath line in the evening peak

  • Ashford-Headcorn-Cannon Street trains reintroduced at peak times with the reintroduction of two trains per hour during off-peak times

  • Hastings-Cannon Street peak time trains reinstated, as well as trains either side of peak times.

  • Class 707 trains, new to Southeastern, introduced on some routes in the London area

Passengers in Hastings will benefit too, as the operator says it will be increasing the number of trains on the Hastings-Charing Cross route at peak times.

For travellers that use suburban services with the operator, they will see "new" class 707 trains - previously used by operator South Western Railway.

What the class 707 will look like Credit: Southeastern

The operator says it is continuing to review passenger numbers, meaning it will continue to adjust train lengths and times where necessary.

Scott Brightwell, Train Services Director for Southeastern said:

“We’ve seen an increase in demand, and so we’ve added a number of additional and longer trains to our service. We’ll continuing to review our passenger numbers and we’ll adjusting train lengths and times where necessary.

“As government restrictions ease, we’re looking forward to welcoming more passengers back to travelling with us. You can easily check how busy your train might be with our SeatFinder tools, and catch the train that works best for you, by downloading the Southeastern app or by checking your journey on our Live Departure Boards.”

“We’re also asking our passengers to wear a face covering in crowded spaces, out of respect for others.”