It has been a few months since we have updated this web site. In part this has been due to a lack of news affecting our line. I have traveled a number of times recently and noticed that passenger numbers seem to be rising from the low levels seen during the pandemic. The good news is that we still have an hourly four car service running between Eastbourne and Ashford International, but the bad news is that the morning and evening shuttle service axed during the pandemic when commuter numbers collapsed shows no sign of being reinstated. This leaves major problems for anyone wishing to commute to London with realistically only the 05.44, 06.38 and 07.47 trains available arriving in St Pancras before 9.00. The 17.37 arriving Rye 18.48 would seem the best return service.
Unsurprisingly passenger numbers in peak times are well down but offpeak services are almost back to pre pandemic passenger levels. The reduced Hastings to Brighton service is due to be improved later this month. Unfortunately there is no sign of a Eurostar service from Ashford to Europe with all trains passing by Ashford which s very disappointing for people in Kent wishing to get to Paris and beyond.
the MLAG committee continues to meet regularly and has discussed how we can promote the local service. One issue is to investigate the possibility of incorporating bus times with the train information at Rye station. During the pandemic we have seen the installation of bike racks and a signpost. The local Rail Partnership has greatly improved the look of the station with planting and with photo exhibitions in the waiting room. We are hoping to hold an AGM shortly, but we are waiting until we can be sure of attendance from senior rail figures who hopefully will be in a position to give us a flavour of future plans. There is frankly no likelihood of an imminent announcement concerning the long awaited HS1 through service to London from Hastings and Bexhill, although the plans have not been withdrawn. Your committee is more concerned that there will be attempted cuts to services and I would encourage readers to renew their subscriptions so that we can continue to campaign for the service.
I hope you enjoy the thought provoking article by Christopher Wolmar that appeared in the Guardian Newspaper recently.