Southern Withdraws Its Wimbledon Trains As Part Of Revised Timetable

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Part of reduction of 341 trains across its network

Passengers using the 'Wimbledon-Sutton loop' train service now have a reduced timetable after Southern rail controversially axed 341 trains each day across its network.

As part of the revised timetable, Southern's Wimbledon services, which run only in the peak (six in the morning and three in the evening), are withdrawn but Thameslink's trains will continue as normal.

Southern introduced the temporary revised weekday timetable from Monday (July 11). It said it was to reduce the impact on passengers and staff of unpredictable and late notice cancellations caused daily.

Changes under the temporary timetable also include the suspension of Southern’s West London Line services between Milton Keynes and Clapham Junction.

Southern, which normally operates 2,242 weekday trains, says 95% of the capacity in Victoria Station in both the morning and evening peaks will be maintained, along with 86% and 84% of the morning and evening peak capacity into London Bridge.

The RMT union has been in a long dispute with Southern's parent firm Govia Thameslink (GTR) over guards' roles. Southern wants to introduce a new on-board Supervisor role in August.

Union chief Mick Cash said: "GTR/Southern told the public the emergency timetable was drawn up to fit with current available staff members. It was yet another pack of lies from a basket-case franchise in terminal meltdown."

Southern Passenger Services Director Alex Foulds said: “We are introducing this temporary weekday revised timetable with reluctance but it is the best thing we can do for our passengers who have been suffering daily cancellations ever since this dispute with the RMT began, and for which we are sincerely sorry.

“It should give the majority of our passengers a better, more consistent service that they can plan around.

“Whilst our first priority is our passengers, we also understand that this has been a difficult time for our staff. Conductors already know that their jobs are guaranteed, that there will be no reduction in salary and that the independent rail safety body has confirmed our plans are safe.

“Now, after listening to our staff, we have also decided to restore leisure travel benefits. All of this, we believe, should help our staff feel able to return to work and so reduce the issues causing the current high level of train cancellations.”

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July 12, 2016