As you know, a new timetable will be in operation on all our routes from 20 May, the culmination of several years of planning and public consultation.  It will provide a more reliable service and much more capacity, responding to the phenomenal growth which has seen passenger numbers double in just 12 years on parts of our network.

The changes are a key element of RailPlan 20/20, our programme to modernise rail services in the south east, taking advantage of the new infrastructure and trains provided by the Thameslink Programme.

We are about to ramp up our awareness campaign asking passengers to check before they travel from 20 May.  These timetables are completely new and therefore it is likely that the majority of passengers will see some change to times or patterns of their current, typical journeys.  We would be grateful for your assistance in highlighting this change to your constituents, residents or members – perhaps through adding information in your newsletters, on your websites, on social media and in your buildings for staff.

The majority of services are now available to view via journey planners such as www.nationalrail.co.uk.   However, you may be aware that Network Rail has not yet finished loading the full national timetable to journey planners, and we continue to support them to complete this for our part of the network.  To allow passengers to check new train times as soon as possible, we have produced PDF timetables showing the full service and these are available on www.railplan2020.com/timetables .  There are also route information factsheets by area which give an overview.

Thank you for your continued interest in this major change to timetable and we will keep you informed and involved in the run up to, and beyond the implementation from 20 May.

 

If you can help us spread the message here is a suggested paragraph to use.

 

From 20 May, entirely new timetables will be introduced at Great Northern, Thameslink, Southern & Gatwick Express.  This means that many passengers who use these services to get to work, school, or anywhere else may be affected as their usual journey time or pattern is likely to change.  It is part of the biggest train timetable change in decades and is necessary to help increase capacity and improve reliability on the busiest part of the UK rail network.  Check your new timetable at www.railplan2020.com/timetables.

Regards

 

 

Yvonne Leslie
Senior Stakeholder Manager