Passengers urged to check journeys as major South East timetable update arrives

Passengers using services across the South East are being urged to check their journeys ahead of timetable changes affecting Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express.

The updates will come into effect from 17 May as part of the wider national timetable change, with further seasonal adjustments expected over the summer, including during school holidays and bank holiday weekends.

Rail operator parent group Govia Thameslink Railway says the changes are designed to improve reliability and better match services to passenger demand. While many routes will remain largely unchanged, a number of targeted improvements are planned.

From 17 May, passengers can expect:

• Additional services on the East Grinstead line on the Southern network
• More punctual services across the network due to small timing adjustments based on customer feedback
• An extra fast evening commuter service from King’s Cross to Hitchin
• Improved punctuality and fewer last-minute platform changes during the evening peak at East Croydon, following adjustments to planned platform use

Further changes are set to follow later in the summer. These include extra services between Gatwick Airport railway station and London Victoria railway station to support early morning flights, alongside additional daytime trains on some routes to cater for leisure travel.

A small number of services will also be withdrawn on certain routes where demand is expected to drop during the school holiday period.

John Whitehurst, Chief Operating Officer of Govia Thameslink Railway, said:

“These changes in May will improve punctuality and provide extra services for passengers. As the adjustments will vary route to route, we encourage people to check before they travel.”

Image: Govia Thameslink Railway