Southern Railway – Consultation and imposition
1. Consultation on future service
As previously reported, Southern has issued a consultation document, ostensibly about the timetable from May 2018 but, for MarshLink users, the issues run deeper. Take note, responses are required by December 8.
To view the consultation document:
– go to: southernrailway
– then click on Timetable Consultation document
– then, for the one MarshLink issue, go to Question 52 ( Pages 37 – 40).
Question 52 revolves around capacity with the two-car diesel Ashford to Brighton service: it proposes two suggestions on how to resolve these issues (with a third being a copout statement). In essence, Southern’s proposals are to reduce the length of the Ashford to Brighton service by terminating it at either Hastings or Eastbourne and operating longer electric trains from wherever the service is curtailed. They refer to a third possibility, to continue to operate the existing two-car diesel service from Ashford to Brighton (i.e. no change), but prepare their response to criticism in the future, by stating this would be “with the understanding that current capacity issues on the route are unlikely to be addressed in the short term.”
MarshLink Action Group’s (MLAG) view is that Southern should be properly resourced for the service it has committed to in its franchise. The existing service is a valuable contributor to the economy of the communities it connects and should not be interrupted. The through service is one MLAG and others fought for several years ago and, if it was withdrawn, it would be very difficult to re-introduce. MLAG proposes Southern should obtain additional equipment to properly operate the service they have committed to.
MLAG will be responding to the consultation and will put its response on its website as soon as possible.
2. Imposition of reduced service
The consultation referred to above relates to future speculative issues. Meanwhile, of very practical concern, the MarshLink continues to have only an occasional rail service operating with strike days being announced and other service failures.
MLAG has been sympathetic to the views expressed by the RMT union about the need for a second crew member (an on-board supervisor or guard) being necessary on all trains for safety reasons. Strikes are intended to have repercussions on the employer but, collaterally, they also have profound effects on their customers so it is difficult for any action group to provide support – understanding, yes.
But when the RMT announces a succession of strike days, quickly followed by ASLEF announcing its own succession of strike days, sympathy and understanding disappear as the torment for other workers (the passengers) increases. The strike days currently announced can be seen on the Southern home page but are:
Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 December (RMT conductors’ strike)
Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December (ASLEF & RMT drivers’ strike)
Friday 16 December (ASLEF & RMT drivers’ strike)
Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 December (RMT conductors’ strike)
Saturday 31 December to Monday 2 January (RMT conductors’ strike)
Monday 9 to Saturday 14 January (ASLEF & RMT drivers’ strike)
Unfortunately, the inconvenience of strike days is compounded by knock-on disruption.
Meanwhile, as the winter sets in, the MarshLink reverts to the replacement bus service.
Photo: John Minter
What does the final sentence mean? “Meanwhile, as the winter sets in, the MarshLink reverts to the replacement bus service.” Is this a bus link because of strikes, or like last night for some unannounced reason a shuttle from Ashford was cancelled? Or back to the position of a few weeks ago when there were no shuttles at all? Clarity?
this is my response to 2018 time table review feEl free to cut and paste
Paul
@marshlinktrains
Q52 (Brighton-Ashford via Marshlink)
Proposal (Options): 1) Truncate at Eastbourne, increasing journey times by approx. 5 mins 2) Truncate at Hastings, increasing journey times by approx. 27 mins 3) Retain the through service, “but with no realistic opportunity to acquire or improve rolling stock” 4) Other ideas invited
Response: SUPPORT OPTION 3. We strongly oppose Options 1+2 because of the negative impact both on the local economy and passengers making long-distance high-value journeys via Ashford, and/or travelling to stations west of Eastbourne.
– The methodology of the passenger count quoted in the consultation document is disputed because of daily/weekly variations within passenger flows to/from and on the Marshlink. Also as there are no ticket barriers at any station from Ashford to Hastings would like more accurate measurements performed.
The data does show passenger numbers from stations west of Hastings and Hastings itself to/from the Marshlink are more or less equal. The problem is how to manage loadings west of Hastings. This suggests that solutions other than truncation should be examined. A serious attempt must be made to identify workable solutions which are both in the passenger interest and which also supports regeneration of the local communities’ economy uniquely afforded by this important regional service.
– Southern to be asked to provide additional capacity to ease overcrowding e.g. 2 additional Class 170s, reforming the Southern diesel fleet to 3 cars, Hybrid Class 377s, other rolling stock released through electrification projects elsewhere.
– Southern to consider timetable solutions to relieve overcrowding on the Brighton–Ashford service including adjusting stopping patterns and timings on the busiest diesel and electric services
– Southern to provide later service from Ashford to Hastings as last comnectING HS1 from St Pancras is 2137. We would like to see connection Ashford to Hastings for 2237 from St Pancras to Ashford.
– The Kent Route Study is pending, with proposals to upgrade the Marshlink with direct services to London St. Pancras. Therefore, any proposed re-shaping of Southern services should be aligned with firm plans to offer HS1 services fromantic Bexhill Hastings and Rye.
A great win for commuters Southen season ticket holders can claim back 1 month money in January. After long campaign online well done to @ABCommuters.
Also deay replay claims will be reduced to 15 mins from 11 December.
Paul
@marshlinktrains