Southeastern Trains
Date: Tue 15th May 2012
Southeastern Trains have recently published a consultation that proposes reducing the number of off peak services that use Longfield Station. This would have the effect of reducing the number of trains that stop at the station each hour from three to just two. This proposal has to be ratified by the Department for Transport but it is essential that if you believe this proposal is wrong that you contact Southeastern Trains and respond to their consultation.
Southeastern argue that reducing the number of train services will allow them to run more fast trains from the southern part of Kent. I believe though that they are wrong to expect Longfield’s commuters to accept a reduction in service without a reduction in the cost of their tickets. As it is Longfield Station offers one of the only opportunities for a fast service from our area into London. These changes would reduce this even further. The high speed service from Ebbsfleet is prohibitively expensive for most people so that service does not offer a viable alternative.
These proposals may be good for the southern part of Kent but they have no positive impact for us. Southeastern needs to properly take into account the impact their proposals would have on our area. To facilitate this I am holding a public meeting on Thursday 17th May at Longfield Community Hall, Fawkham Road, Longfield, DA3 7QP at 7pm. This will give anyone who attends the opportunity to express their views to Southeastern and respond to their consultation. If you are unable to make the meeting then you can respond through their website at http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/news/latest-news/december-2012-timetable-consultation-begins/.
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