Media centre

Friday 3 Aug 2007

RAIL INDUSTRY LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON PLANS TO MEET RISING PASSENGER NUMBERS IN SOUTH LONDON

Region & Route:

| Southern

Longer platforms for longer trains form the cornerstone of a strategy to meet future passenger demand in South London published by Network Rail this week. With passenger numbers in South London projected to increase by up to 25 per cent in the next 12 years, a consultation document, produced by Network Rail on behalf of the rail industry, looks at ways demand can be met in that time. The South London Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) examines options for tackling passenger and freight capacity issues on the complex suburban rail network in the south and south east of the capital and parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey, where 66 per cent of all rail trips are commuter journeys and the population is expected to grow by 7% up to 2019. Consultation on the RUS lasts for 12 weeks and following consideration of any comments the strategy will be finalised and delivered to the Office of Rail Regulation early next year. Network Rail Kent Route Director Andrew Munden said: “The railway in this area provides vital and frequent links to central London and while rising demand is to be welcomed, the challenge comes in finding ways to accommodate both passenger and freight growth. The rail industry has worked together to assess the situation and this RUS develops options to tackle issues on what are already very busy routes.” Network Rail Sussex Route Director Fiona Taylor added: “The railway in South London caters for a huge commuter and leisure market, with 171m journeys beginning in this area each year. The feedback we get as part of the consultation process will play an important part in shaping the future of the network.” Options to be considered as part of the consultation include a strategy of train and platform lengthening on the following routes:

• The lines from Dartford to Charing Cross and Cannon Street

• Mid-Kent line from Hayes to Charing Cross and Cannon Street

• Sevenoaks to Charing Cross and Cannon Street via Orpington

• South Croydon to East Grinstead

• East and West Croydon to Victoria/London Bridge via Balham/Sydenham

The case for lengthening on other routes is still under consideration. The RUS also looks at links with planned investment schemes within the area, including the East London Line Extension (Phase One) and the Thameslink Programme, for which funding was recently announced.