Longer journeys for Sussex train passengers in week after Christmas

Sussex rail passengers travelling to and from London in the week after Christmas will face longer journeys due to planned engineering works.
Sussex passengers travelling to London from Sussex after Christmas are set to face disruption due to engineering works (photo submitted). SUS-151127-101625001Sussex passengers travelling to London from Sussex after Christmas are set to face disruption due to engineering works (photo submitted). SUS-151127-101625001
Sussex passengers travelling to London from Sussex after Christmas are set to face disruption due to engineering works (photo submitted). SUS-151127-101625001

Network Rail’s upgrades at Purley will cause delays and diversions between South Croydon and Redhill from Christmas Day until Monday January 4.

Passengers will have to use rail replacement bus services from either Gatwick Airport and Three Bridges to East Grinstead, with trains running between London and East Grinstead, extending some journey times by an hour.

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Although trains will still run from London Victoria to Gatwick these journeys will be via Horsham and are expected take around 90 minutes instead of the usual 30.

Services from Brighton or coastal stations to Gatwick will be unaffected.

Steve Knight, Network Rail’s area director, said: “The work we are doing this Christmas is a crucial part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and will mean a better, more reliable railway for passengers when they return to work in the New Year.

“The railway is quieter at Christmas, which is why we do our major work then, but it’s still a busy time we know it’s still a busy time for people visiting family and friends. For that reason we are ramping up our communications to reach as many people as we can, so they can plan ahead and enjoy celebrating while our teams are working hard.”

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David Scorey, Southern’s passenger services director, added: “We’re putting arrangements in place to keep passengers moving while these essential works are being done, but it will mean some passengers’ journey times will be extended, so please check before you travel.”

Passengers are encouraged to check with www.nationalrail.co.uk or their operator before they travel.

For more information visit Southern’s website.

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