Pushing for better rail services locally continues to be a top priority for me.
Hundreds of constituents have been in touch with me since the reduction in services made post-COVID. Services simply have not kept up with demand. I ran my rail survey last year in order to gather evidence of this and present it to Govia Thameslink (GTR).
I was glad GTR agreed to restore services on the East Grinstead Line to pre-COVID service levels – meaning trains now run every 30 minutes. Safety changes currently restrict these improved services to Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. At the time, I highlighted the need for more flexibility during school holidays, and GTR agreed to look into this.
I’m very happy to confirm that during the Easter holidays (Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April), half-hourly services on the East Grinstead line will run on all weekdays.
This is very positive news, and I am grateful for GTR for listening to residents’ concerns and acting on our suggestions. I would also like to thank the East Surrey Transport Committee for pushing GTR to improve services as well.
There’s still more to do, and I will continue to push for the reinstatement of the Caterham to London Victoria route, but this is a welcome first step.
