I wanted to provide constituents with the latest update about East Grinstead station.
I have had several constituents contact me about the footbridge repair at East Grinstead station. I have made a direct enquiry with GTR to see if this bridge is owned by the railways or council. They are currently making enquiries to understand if – if it is railway land it can be a bit complicated as the Access and Regulatory team will need to work with Network Rail to establish whether it’s a train operator responsibility or National Rail as the landowners. When I receive clarification I will update you.
Additionally, we have contacted GTR about the closure of Three Bridges during the half term in February 2022. Currently, we understand that rail replacement buses will be in action as well as a widening of ticket acceptance. However, I have enquired as to if additional rail services will be implemented. This is, of course, in addition to my on going conversation to have more direct trains to the City especially early morning and late evening. I have now written to Minister for Rail, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, to organise a roundtable meeting in which I highlight our concerns with the service received at East Grinstead.
Can I take this opportunity to remind everyone that it is a requirement to wear a face covering during your train journeys unless you are exempt. We have noticed a lack of enforcement on railways and would like all constituents to make a conscious effort to wear a face covering to help keep themselves and others safe.
As promised I will continue to keep you updated and thank you for all the feedback emails I receive. They are truly helpful when making our case to GTR.
25th November Update
On Wednesday 24th November, I again met with stakeholder managers for Southern and Gatwick Express about train services for Mid Sussex, raising deep frustrations around the lack of frequency and poor timing of train services from East Grinstead station to the City of London. I continue to receive numerous approaches from justifiably unhappy constituents.
I was disappointed, to say the least, with the lack of progression with our ongoing talks in regards to boosting East Grinstead services to the city and I have repeatedly asked for a direct 6.15am train from East Grinstead. Unfortunately, they continue to reiterate the passenger numbers for the 6.04am and 6.36am East Grinstead to London Victoria trains remain low and do not justify providing a further direct service, as passengers have the option to change at East Croydon to reach the City. I strongly expressed that unless they provided the services people require, they would not be able to assess true demand.
I would appreciate, if this applies to you, that you write to me to confirm your interest in this direct service.
I am adamant we need a timetable that works for East Grinstead residents and I am hearing reason after reason as to why we are not having this delivered from high crew unavailability, unfortunately, due to an unprecedented combination of both long and short term illness, to low passenger numbers and funding. Following my meeting, I will be writing to the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Chris Heaton Harris MP and officials to organise a meeting to explore this issue further on behalf of Mid Sussex constituents.
You can see from the image above, capacity is reaching its highest number at East Croydon and the lower demands prior to this is having an effect on the frequency of trains from East Grinstead. Please note: the colour codes represent an overhang from social distancing where max capacity on the trains was 35%. Many constituents who have approached me on this matter have requested the publishing of weekly passenger numbers and I will endeavour to do this as often as I receive them.
Alongside the discussion regarding East Grinstead services, I was also updated on the reinstatement of the service for the Gatwick Express train. This will now return to pre-pandemic scheduling meaning there will now be fast, direct routes from Brighton and Victoria to Gatwick. This is great news for constituents who are working at Gatwick Airport and for the recovery of the airport.
I will continue to keep constituents updated and as a rail commuter myself, and your MP, please be reassured I am representing your concerns with both the rail company and Department for Transport colleagues as I too share your frustrations.
September Update
I have been contacted by VERY many constituents and residents of surrounding areas who have been affected by the cancellation of the AM and PM direct service from East Grinstead to London Bridge, and have urgently contacted GTR to express how this cancellation is not acceptable and serious concerns have been raised.
GTR made the decision to cancel the train on the fact that this single AM and single PM direct service is running with around 140 passengers out of a possible 1666, equating to approximately 8.5% of its potential capacity. However, when my team had asked for further clarity/evidence of when these figures were recorded, it was confirmed they were generated on August 18th 2021.
This was at a is a time when schools were on summer holidays, and was during the most popular month for annual leave, so would not truly reflect demand. The Government’s current message is for people to return back to work and train services are an integral part of making this possible.
I received information from my constituents that it was simply incorrect to state 4-7 minutes will be added to the journey due to the failure to recognise that a huge number of people in East Grinstead need to get to London Bridge as swiftly as possible, rather than via Clapham Junction or London Victoria. For many, being able to get to London Bridge directly is why many live in East Grinstead and rely on the train service to the City.
Clearly, travelling from Victoria, their train journey to the City is considerably longer. Furthermore, it is not an easy transfer, as constituents have informed me they are unable to get on the first train due to the number of people transferring and several constituents have stated they are waiting 10-15 minutes at East Croydon.
I absolutely believe these valid concerns need addressing and I have been having several meetings with GTR, and will continue to highlight my frustrations, as well as those of my constituents.