Have I discovered yet another reason to re-nationalise the railways, as Southeastern refuse to allow passengers to use the high speed service via Ashford, whilst their services are disrupted because of the rebuilding of London Bridge Station? Southeastern trains to Charing Cross will not be stopping at London Bridge for a year from 2015; the few services to Canon Street will also not be stopping there between 2016 and late 2017!
Southeastern said it had been working with London Underground, buses and Docklands Light Railway, to allow passengers to use those services at no extra cost whilst work is carried out (see the BBC website), but that "this agreement does not include free travel on our high speed service as passengers on this route pay a premium for their faster journey and we need to balance protecting their interests with helping passengers affected by the London Bridge work."
So, the people of Hastings again have to accept a 2nd rate service, although you can always use the (usually cheaper) alternative Victoria service (Southern), which will probably become the faster route to use for a year or two!
We should bring back nationalised and integrated railways (which, according to YouGov surveys has the backing of over 60% of the population, whilst those against are just 21%), also noting that the East Coast service, the only rail service in public ownership for 5 years, is the only rail service to contribute to the Government's coffers rather than take money out... Oh yes! And that has just been handed back to the chums of Government ministers yet again! Shame...
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