Media centre

Monday 4 May 2020

Passengers in Kent advised to only use public transport if they have to over upcoming bank holiday

Region & Route:

Southern

• Passengers should only use public transport if they have to over upcoming Early May Bank Holiday
• Network Rail’s engineering works will affect some routes, while a reduced timetable continues to operate for those who rely on rail services
• Passengers should check before they travel

Critical workers and others who have to use public transport should check before they travel over the May bank holiday weekend as Network Rail works to ensure the railway is reliable now and in the future.

On Saturday 9 May, buses replace trains between Tonbridge and Ashford International and Maidstone West for essential track maintenance.

On Sunday 10, services will not run from London Charing Cross or Waterloo East stations due to track maintenance and work on Charing Cross railway bridge.

Buses replace trains between Sevenoaks, Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells as worn out rail and sleepers are replaced, helping to prevent track defects and speed restrictions, which delay passengers. Station improvement work will also be carried out at Paddock Wood and Marden stations including canopy and platform repairs, line painting and guttering.

At Gillingham, switches and crossings, the moveable sections of track that allow trains to switch lines, will be refurbished, with new timbers and sleepers, helping to keep the busy junction operating reliably and keep trains on the move.

Fiona Taylor, Kent Route Director, said:

“While the majority of the railway remains open to freight and critical workers, essential maintenance and improvement work to ensure the railway runs reliably now and in the future means that buses will replace trains on some routes.

“We urge people to follow Government advice and only use public transport if they have to. For those who do need to travel, please plan ahead and check your journeys in advance.”

Southeastern Train Services Director, Scott Brightwell, said: 

Southeastern Train Services Director, Scott Brightwell, said: “Southeastern teams will keep trains running for people who can’t work from home and still have to travel.

“When essential maintenance and upgrade work needs to be completed over weekends or the bank holiday and some trains cannot operate, we’ve made alternative travel arrangements. Tickets will be accepted via reasonable routes and we are providing buses between some stations.”

Passengers are advised to check their journey before they travel. Visit Southeastern or National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner for more information.

Public Health England and industry distancing advice will be followed on all worksites.