On Monday, 11 December, Southeastern is changing its timetable, impacting train services from Orpington, St Mary Cray, Petts Wood and Chesfield stations.
Many changes are welcome, including additional services to and from London Victoria, calling at Orpington and Petts, and fast train services calling at Chelsfield station.
St Mary Cray will see fewer trains stopping but be served by faster train services. There will also be fewer stops at Cannon Street from Orpington.
However, the total loss of services to and from Charing Cross calling at Chelsfield, Orpington and Petts Wood, including 16 services in the morning peak and 15 services in the evening peak, is especially troubling.
For weeks, I have attempted to scrutinise Southeastern's proposals, asking for passenger data to judge whether the changes in services are justified given many people's new working patterns following the pandemic.
But, they have repeatedly failed to provide this information. This is unacceptable, and I wrote to them again a week ago asking for the passenger data behind their decisions. They have yet again failed to respond.
As your Member of Parliament, I want to ensure your voice is heard and we continue to have the best train services possible for people across the Orpington constituency. So I will continue to push for this information.
I have set up a survey on my website for you to have your say as the changes come into effect. If you are impacted - either benefiting or losing out from the new timetable - please let me know by responding to the survey, and I will ensure Southeastern hears your views.
