UK operator Southeastern will introduce a revised timetable from Sunday 18 May, increasing capacity and adding newer trains across London, Kent, and East Sussex.
Passenger numbers have continued to rise, with Southeastern recording over 135 million journeys in 2024—a 7% increase from 2023 and a 19% increase compared to 2022. The timetable update aims to support further growth and create space for an additional 10 million journeys over the next 12 months.
The introduction of more Class 377 Electrostar trains will improve the customer experience, offering air-conditioning, charging points, and a more comfortable environment. These trains will be deployed on services from Ashford International and Maidstone East to Victoria and Charing Cross.
“We know the importance of a safe, reliable and comfortable journey for our customers. We’re working hard with our partners Network Rail to constantly monitor all feedback we receive and improve our services accordingly. Our railway is growing. The changes we’re introducing this May will deliver more space where it’s needed most and newer, more comfortable air-conditioned trains. We’re also working to improve on-time running and reliability to keep cancellations among the lowest in the country,” Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s Operations and Safety Director, said.
“This is exactly the passenger-focussed approach our railway needs, encouraging people to take the train by providing more capacity and better-quality services where people want them most. On top of this, we have rolled out contactless ticketing further across the South East to make it easier and cheaper to choose rail. This is all part of our plans for the biggest overhaul of the railways in a generation, which will deliver for passengers, drive growth and boost the economy,” Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy added.
Expanded services and longer trains
The timetable update includes additional connections for stations between Ashford International and Maidstone East to Charing Cross, with more calls at East Malling and Barming in the late afternoon and early evening to meet increasing demand.
Additional carriages will be added to key peak-time services, including:
- 05:46 Dover Priory to Victoria
- 07:02 Ramsgate to Cannon Street
- 07:50 Sevenoaks to Charing Cross
In East Kent, more services will stop at Thanet Parkway on routes to and from Dover Priory, improving links to Canterbury West. Longer trains will also be introduced during the summer to provide more capacity for passengers travelling to Whitstable, Margate, and Broadstairs.
Southeastern will also continue enhanced Friday and Saturday evening services from Margate, supporting eventgoers at Dreamland.
Southeastern fleet improvements underway
Customers are encouraged to check journey planners as minor timetable adjustments have been made to improve punctuality.
Beyond the timetable changes, Southeastern’s fleet improvements are ongoing. The refurbishment of Class 395 ‘Javelin’ high-speed trains is nearing completion, with updated interiors, a new external livery, and an upgraded passenger information system.
Meanwhile, the Class 376 upgrade programme is underway, featuring a full interior refresh, new plug sockets, refurbished seats, LED lighting, and a repaint.
Full timetables are now available on the Southeastern website.
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