Timetable changes leave Bexhill worse off says rail group

That's the view of Bexhill Rail Action Group.

The changes are being introduced next month as part of a wider re-cast of the Brighton Mainline timetable which will see the extension of the Gatwick Express to Brighton at peak times.

Critics have complained that Brighton rail users are once again getting an enhanced service at the expense of other lines.

BRAG deputy chairman Peter Parker explained: "Under the current timetable, there is an hourly through service from Victoria to Bexhill, and on the half-hour an adequate connection is available at Hampden Park, effectively giving a half hourly service.

"The changes being introduced from December 14th will lead to Bexhill losing this regular frequency, with trains running at irregular times between the 16.47 and 18.47 from Victoria, which will continue as before. Although Bexhill will gain an extra through train from London in place of a local service from Brighton, this benefit is tempered by the two new trains from London at 17.36 and 18.06 waiting for longer at Eastbourne before completing the last leg of their journey to Bexhill. In one case, this standing time will be for 16 minutes, and journey times on both of the new services will be well over two hours.

"There are various attempts in the timetable to short-circuit these longer journey times. In one instance, there will be a very dicey four minute connection at Hampden Park, but BRAG knows from experience that this will not be held in the event of the incoming train from London running late.

"Even more ludicrously, the new 17.36 from Victoria to Ore will wait at Eastbourne while a Brighton '“ Ashford service running behind it comes in, and leaves first. Passengers for Bexhill station will be able to change onto this and arrive slightly earlier, but this connection will be of no use to anybody travelling to Cooden Beach or Collington because the Brighton '“ Ashford service does not stop at these stations.

"This all sounds like a recipe for missed connections or simply encouraging London-based commuters to give up on local services and drive to Polegate to pick up the train.

He concluded: "What passenger research has repeatedly shown is that rail users prefer fast, through trains, and don't want to take the risk of waiting on cold, dark stations following a missed connection.

"BRAG continues to advocate faster through services between Bexhill and London, at both peak and off-peak times and views these changes as a step in the wrong direction."

The changes can be viewed in full on the BRAG website at http://www.bexhillrailaction.org.uk/timetabledec08.doc

The November meeting of Bexhill Rail Action Group will take place on Monday at 7pm at the offices of Hastings Direct Insurance, Conquest House, Collington Avenue. New members are always welcome.