Good News.... But Not Good Enough
Rail Passengers Committee (RPC) Southern England and the London Transport Users' Committee (LTUC) welcome the lifting of the Thameslink blockade, and the resumption of through London service from Monday 16 May, but are disappointed that interim timetable arrangements (until 12 June) see a 50% reduction in off peak passenger services.
The interim timetable will be introduced to allow for train driver re-familiarisation with the route prior to them driving trains in passenger service. This re-familiarisation can only be performed by walking drivers through the tunnelled section between Kentish Town and King's Cross Thameslink station, which can only be done during limited periods when safe possessions can be granted.
Tim Nicholson, Chairman, RPC Southern said: "Time should have been allowed for this in the planning of this major project; the blockade has prevented through running of Thameslink services for eight months at great inconvenience to many passengers, but now, when at last, the north and south lines are re-connected, we find there are insufficient drivers trained to provide a full service. This is thoughtless, bad planning and shows the industry has still not learnt to put is customers first."
Both committees say that the rail industry must learn lessons from this project to prevent a recurrence of the disruption to services that will occur later this month and in early June. Passengers' needs must be, and must continue to be, at the forefront when planning projects to mitigate any additional adverse impact on services.
Contact by RPC Southern and LTUC with the rail companies (Thameslink and Union Railways - North) has taken place to minimise the effect of this interim timetable, and obtain measurable benefits for passengers during the reduced service period.
Brian Cooke, Chair, LTUC, said: "Thameslink customers have suffered for eight months, and return to a less frequent service than before, simply because the rail companies cannot get their planning joined up. They will now also have to pass through the ghost of St Pancras Midland Road station that still does not have the funding necessary for completion. Eight months of pain for nothing!"
For further information, please contact Jo deBank in the LTUC press office on 020 7726 9953 or out of hours on 07734 055494 or Brian Cooke on 07981 691174
Speaking for transport users in and around London
12th May 2005