Media centre

Notes to editors

1. The RUS process involves Network Rail, train operating companies (Southern, First Capital Connect, First Great Western), freight operating companies (DB Schenker, Freightliner), Department for Transport, Transport for London, Passenger Focus, London Travelwatch, Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), local authorities and elected representatives.

2. The document for consultation can be downloaded from:

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/rus%20documents/route%20utilisation%20strategies/sussex/sussex%20rus.pdf

3.  The Sussex RUS covers the Brighton main line into Victoria, London Bridge and Blackfriars.  In addition, it includes routes along the West and East Coastway (between Havant and Bexhill), the Arun Valley line (between Arundel and Three Bridges) and services operating on the North Downs Line (between Reading and Gatwick Airport). It has been developed in conjunction with the South London RUS, Kent RUS and Freight RUS. 

The South London RUS focuses specifically on improvements to the suburban portion of the Sussex and Kent routes.  In the context of Sussex, the South London RUS covers stopping / slow-line services towards London from Purley on the Brighton Main line and Horsham on the line via Sutton, as well as the route to East Grinstead.

4. The RUS strategy includes detailed recommendations covering the period up to 2019, within the context of a 30 year plan.

5. A number of significant schemes are already planned for delivery between 2009 - 2014.  The impact of these schemes on the RUS area has been factored into the process prior to the analysis taking place.  These schemes include:

- In May 2010, a significant timetable change will be required as a result of the East London Line (ELL) extension phase 1 services between West Croydon, Crystal Palace and the existing ELL at New Cross Gate.
- 12-car operation of East Grinstead to London Bridge and East Grinstead to Victoria services.
- 10-car operations on a number of inner suburban services, including those from Epson Downs via Norbury, West Croydon via Norwood Junction and Epsom via Hackbridge.
- Passengers on the Brighton main line will benefit from increased train lengths, from eight cars to 12 on a number of peak Thameslink services
- Alterations to track and signalling and the creation of a new platform at Gatwick Airport will benefit airport passengers and improve performance on the Brighton main line

6. Further recommendations in the RUS include:
- Insertion of Clapham Junction stops in high peak Gatwick Express services
- Lengthening trains from eight cars to 12 on selected peak services between the Redhill corridor and Victoria and London Bridge
- Building an additional platform at Redhill on the western side of the station
- Lengthening of Caterham and Tattenham Corner joining services to 10- or 12-car
- Increasing the length of trains running on peak services on the Uckfield line to eight cars between 2009 – 2014, and to 10 cars between 2015 – 2019
- Reducing signalling headways to increase capacity at the northern end of the Arun Valley line
- Line speed improvements on the East Coastway and ‘Brighton Reversible’ line at Victoria

- Aside from the London commuter market, cases exist for lengthening of specific peak trains between the West Coastway and Brighton; services into Chichester during the peak; some services on the North Downs / Redhill route
- Between 2014 and 2019, the RUS recommends extending some trains on the Brighton main line during the shoulder peak to 12- car and operating up to three additional services across the three hour peak between Brighton / Coastway routes and Gatwick Airport, East Croydon, Clapham Junction and Victoria.
- Notable schemes at several congested stations include: rebuilding Blackfriars, Farringdon and London Bridge (as part of the Thameslink programme); remodelling of the concourse at East Croydon; redevelopment of Victoria station.