English beach resort town is getting direct train line to UK's capital again in ‘huge victory'
ON TRACK English beach resort town is getting direct train line to UK's capital again in 'huge victory'
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A RAIL service between a popular beach resort town and London is being brought back this year.
Govia Thameslink Railway halted its direct train link between the coastal town and the capital during the Covid pandemic.
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The operator says the pandemic had a 'devastating impact' on rail
Credit: Alamy
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Hotels overlooking the seafront promenade at Eastbourne
Credit: Alamy
But the rail operator has announced that direct trains will run between Eastbourne, Lewes and London Bridge once again from December.
A direct service will run in the morning and return to the seaside town in the evening.
It will run from Monday to Thursday, and the operator said it would make commutes to London "much easier".
Prior to this, Eastbourne only had direct trains to London Victoria.
A 'HUGE VICTORY'
The news comes following calls from passengers to reinstate the transport link.
The town's MP Josh Babarinde was part of the campaign to restore the service.
He previously took a giant ticket-shaped petition to the town's train station while campaigning.
The MP called the link's restoration a "huge victory" that would have a "positive impact" on the town.
He said: "After months of campaigning including writing to rail bosses, pressing Ministers in the House of Commons, and gathering thousands of signatures from Eastbournians, I'm delighted that we've managed to restore our direct London Bridge rail service."
"I look forward to seeing commuters on 15 December for the first journey up to London Bridge," he added.
Picturesque English town is getting new £27m train line for first time in 60 years – & will cut journey times by an hour
RESTORED SERVICE
The operator has said the Covid pandemic had a "devastating impact" on the rail industry.
Jenny Saunders, Thameslink customer services director, said: "The pandemic had a devastating impact on everyone, not least the rail industry, and our weekday commuter numbers are still reduced but recovering.
"We're doing everything we can to encourage people back to rail, which is the most sustainable form of public transport.
"The innovative new timetable we introduced along the east coastway two years ago did just that, boosting passenger numbers by giving people better services and easier connections.
"We think this timetable improvement will build on that success and are pleased to have worked with local stakeholders to make the case for its introduction."
The restored service will depart Eastbourne at 6:48am and arrive at London Bridge for 8:25am.
In the evening, it will start back from the capital at 5.03pm and reach Eastbourne for 6.34pm.
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