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Thursday 5 Mar 2020

You can still have your say on Network Rail’s proposals for Reigate station

Region & Route:

Southern

There is still time to have your say on Network Rail’s plans to connect Reigate to the Thameslink network.

More than 420 passengers and community members attended the six information events held by Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) last week, showcasing their proposals for allowing Thameslink services to call at Reigate for the first time.

Following the events, members of the public still have time to provide their view on the proposals. Feedback is being sought on the infrastructure and potential service alterations of the scheme and the online feedback form will be live until Monday 6 April.

Network Rail’s plans for the station include a new platform that would allow up to 12-car Thameslink trains to stop and turn back at the station, boosting capacity along the line and providing connections to London Bridge, St Pancras International and beyond.

Paul Harwood, director of route investment for Network Rail, said: “I’m really pleased to see the level of engagement from residents and passengers and I encourage those who have not yet had a chance to provide their view to do so as this feedback will help us providea better service to our passengers.”

A larger, improved car park with additional spaces for accessible parking will also form part of the proposals, along with power supply upgrades that are necessary to power the longer trains.

The longer platform which is an extension and widening of the existing platform 2, would allow Thameslink trains of up to 12 carriages to stop at the station for the first time while allowing for direct London Bridge services.

Local support for the scheme is strong, with commuters particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of removing the current need for trains to split and join at Redhill, which often contributes to delays.

Feedback received will be used to improve and further develop Network Rail’s plans and form part of a business case which will be submitted to the Department for Transport later this year.

These proposals form part of Network Rails long-term plans to run more reliable and more frequent services on the Brighton Main Line and its branch lines.