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Monday 14 Nov 2005

SOUTH WEST TRAINS’ CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SERVICES

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

There are a number of changes to the South West Trains’ timetable over the Christmas and New Year period 2005/2006 due to major engineering works taking place. Passengers are strongly advised to check times before travelling during this period.  Network Rail will be investing £13 million in major track renewals from 2300 on 24 December 2004 until 0400 on 3 January 2006.  This will be taking place between Woking and Brookwood and Woking Junction and Guildford which will result in a reduced service on the mainline. James Burt, South West Trains’ Customer Service Director, said: “The engineering works taking place are vital in order to provide a railway fit for the 21st century.  We are sorry for any disruption caused during this period but rest assured we are doing everything in our power to get our passengers to their destinations. “The works are taking place during the Christmas period, as it is generally a quieter time on the railways making it easier and effectively minimising the amount of passengers affected.” Network Rail’s Route Director, David Pape, said: “Network Rail is committed to rebuilding the railway and the Christmas period is a good opportunity to do this as there are fewer people using the trains. We are making full use of our resources to carry out these essential improvements, enhancing the performance of the railway in the Woking area and bringing long-term benefits to passengers.” The main service alterations are as follows: ·         London Waterloo to Weymouth services will operate via Havant calling additionally at Clapham Junction, Surbiton, Guildford, Havant and Fareham. ·         London Waterloo to Portsmouth services will be reduced in frequency to an hourly fast and semi-fast service and will call additionally at Clapham Junction and Surbiton, and will also be diverted and wont be calling at Woking. ·         London Waterloo to Alton services will not operate.  A special service will operate between Guildford and Alton. ·         West of England services will only operate between Basingstoke and Yeovil Junction. ·         An hourly special service will operate between Farnborough and Poole. ·         A special service will operate between London Waterloo and Woking. ·         Passengers travelling from Ash Vale to Woking must travel from Aldershot. ·         Buses will operate between Woking and Basingstoke, Woking and Farnborough, Woking and Guildford and Woking and Aldershot. Between 28 and 30 December 2005 extra trains will operate during the morning and evening peaks: ·         London Waterloo/Poole services will operate via Havant calling additionally at Clapham Junction, Guildford, Haslemere, Petersfield, Havant, Fareham and then Southampton. ·         London Waterloo to Farnham services will call at Clapham Junction, Richmond, Feltham, Staines and all stations to Ascot (except Longcross). ·         Services between Basingstoke and Salisbury will call at all stations. ·         London Waterloo to Woking services will call at Clapham Junction, Surbiton, Walton-on-Thames, Weybridge and West Byfleet. ·         An additional bus service will operate between Petersfield and Winchester. Between 27 and 31 December 2005 the following alterations will be made to the West of England services: ·         West of England line services will run between Yeovil Junction and Basingstoke only. ·         Buses will run between Basingstoke and Woking for onward travel to London Waterloo. ·         Limited South West Trains’ services will operate between Yeovil and Paignton. ·         First Great Western will mainly operate services between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St Davids/Plymouth. Please see information below regarding the type of service we will be running throughout the Christmas period.  The major engineering works which are taking place will have to be taken into consideration. FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER 2005 A normal weekday service with some strengthened services.   CHRISTMAS EVE - SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER 2005 A normal Saturday service will operate with a complete shutdown by 2300. CHRISTMAS DAY - SUNDAY 25 DECEMBER 2005 No services will operate on Christmas Day. BOXING DAY - MONDAY 26 DECEMBER 2005 No services will operate on Boxing Day. TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER 2005 A Saturday based service will operate.  WEDNESDAY 28 DECEMBER 2005 A Saturday based service will operate with limited additional peak services. THURSDAY 29 DECEMBER 2005 A Saturday based service will operate with limited additional peak services. FRIDAY 30 DECEMBER 2005 A Saturday based service will operate with limited additional peak services. SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER 2005 A Saturday service will operate. SUNDAY 1 JANUARY 2006 A Sunday service will operate.  Early morning services will be provided to Kingston and Guildford. MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2006 A Saturday service will operate. A leaflet giving further details of the service changes over the Christmas and New Year period is available from all staffed stations.  It lists the last services on Christmas Eve between London Waterloo and most stations across the South West Trains’ network. Passengers travelling on longer distance routes between London Waterloo, Salisbury and Exeter and between London Waterloo, Bournemouth and Weymouth are advised to reserve seats in advance to ensure a comfortable journey during this busy time. Passengers can also visit our website www.southwesttrains.co.uk or telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 to check the times of services before travelling.