South Western Railway timetable changes

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM proposed, and Hina Bokhari AM seconded, the following motion: 

“This Assembly notes the proposed timetable changes by South Western Railway (SWR) commencing from December 2022.

This Assembly notes that the changes will lead to a reduction in frequency of services for a number of stations within the Greater London area for both commuters and off-peak passengers.

This Assembly notes that despite South Western Railway highlighting the potential growth of leisure travel their plans reduce off-peak frequencies at several busy London stations by 50%, from four trains per hour to two trains per hour, compared to May 2019. Including 2018/2019 entry and exit data (ORR data), these stations are:

• Mortlake, 1.8m;
• North Sheen, 0.48m;
• St Margarets, 1.41m; and
• Worcester Park, 2.36m.

This Assembly believes the plans by South Western Railway are premature and based on predictions of future train travel which are not yet known. This Assembly further believes that train travel should be actively encouraged at a time of a climate emergency, yet these proposals could generate further road traffic. Furthermore, this Assembly is concerned that the long-term plans by South Western Railway will be followed by other train operating companies in London.

This Assembly opposes South Western Railway’s timetable plans and believes that a full review of their proposed timetable is now needed.

This Assembly calls on the Chair of the London Assembly to write to both the Chief Executive of South Western Railway and the Secretary of State for Transport opposing these timetable plans due to their adverse impact on passengers.”

Following debate, and upon being put to a vote, the motion in the name of Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, was agreed unanimously.