Trains cancellations - latest

[lpool]

It would seem strange for GOVIA to blame the previous franchisee for lack of recruitment of drivers as they were the previous owner. The RMT is offering to suspend strike action for 3 months, subject to the franchise delaying DOO plans for same time. May not help improve staff numbers though as no guarantee this will result in a sudden recovery of high sickness levels.

The service level change being introduced is unprecedented, even if it is temporary. It is complicated by the fact this is a management contract with the DfT taking revenue risk. It does raise an interesting question as to whether it could be legally challenged by commuters on the basis that they will automatically be entitled to compensation for suspension of services, however, moving to a new timetable will be designed to mitigate this argument.

It will take more than a few politicians complaining, or letters written to MPs, to have any material affect. East Dulwich is clearly not the only station affected here and more searching questions could be asked on the extent to which passenger numbers are affected, and whether due consideration has been given when drawing up the new timetable to whether this will lead to the train operator being unable to deliver its core obligation of providing rail services.

[Cedges]

I'm delighted that some cyclists around here are apparently significantly less sweaty than me but as I can't cycle from Peckham to ED without being a wringing mess, I don't think I'd want to sit at my desk all day - unfortunately some of us are not lucky enough to have shower facilities.

[wulfhound]

Not wanting to get too personal Cedges but... Goose Green to Peckham Library is barely a mile, and practically flat. With a bike in OK mechanical condition & clothes suitable for the weather, a flat mile really shouldn't do that. The likes of Dog Kennel Hill will unless you're fairly fit, mind.

(There's also E-bikes of course, which are even less work to pedal - but you won't get much there for under ?500).

[bawdy-nan]

Cedges Wrote:

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> I'm delighted that some cyclists around here are

> apparently significantly less sweaty than me but

> as I can't cycle from Peckham to ED without being

> a wringing mess, I don't think I'd want to sit at

> my desk all day - unfortunately some of us are not

> lucky enough to have shower facilities.

I agree arriving sweaty is grim but if you take it very easy and just pootle it's usually ok, I find, and a much more pleasant way to travel than either packed public transport or speedy breakneck cycling

[danielson00]

Reply from Harriet Harman..

Dear Daniel,

Thank you for your email regarding Southern Rail services and the new timetable starting on Monday 11th July 2016.

I have today written to Charles Horton, the CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway, who are responsible for operating Southern Rail, to express my serious concern about the introduction of this timetable. This dramatic and sudden loss of service is simply unacceptable. I attach a copy of the letter for you.

I know that many constituents already suffer from Southern Rail?s ongoing disruptive, poor and unpredictable service, and because of this I will now be urging the Government to strip Govia Thameslink Railway of its franchises in advance of its renewal date.

I have sponsored EDM 298 ? Govia Thameslink Franchise Review, expressing dismay at the unacceptable level of service provided by Southern Rail and Thameslink.

Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

Best wishes,

Harriet

[Sally Eva]

there's a bike train from Denmark Hill and (separately) from Peckham Rye Station every Wednesday at 8.10am. the two rides meet in Burgess Park and go on together to Blackfriars. The pace is very peaceful and takes about another 20 minutes from Burgess Park. The route map is here:

Everyone is welcome. The ride is escorted by experienced ride leaders. The route is chosen to be safe and top priority is arriving in a cheerful happy frame of mind. Gives a sense of achievement before 9am. We take people on individually to Hyde Park, Mayfair, Faringdon, Kings Cross and Tower Hill and we bring them back again.

If you want to come, just turn up. If you want more info private message me, text me on 07842 640 207 or mail [email protected]. Never think about a train company again.

[Cedges]

danielson00 Wrote:

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> Reply from Harriet Harman..

Thank you for posting, I just received the same email and came on here to copy it!

Good to hear she seems to be taking the matter seriously at least. We can but wait, hope and see what the tabled debate next week brings.

[LondonMix]

Yes, I received the same response. I hope this can get the attention it needs. Unfortunately, the country has plunged itself into a political and economic crisis via Brexit which means ordinary government business is unlikely to get as much attention as otherwise would be the case.

My DH works for a body reporting into parliament and they have shelved a major initiative as they know there will be zero time for parliament to consider it for years to come.

[Guest]

It's an absolute joke. With just one train per hour to and from London Bridge, it's not going to be possible fo everyone to get on. It's dangerous, frustrating and simply not practical. I'll be emailing Charles Horton CEO of Govia. Not sure if it will do much, but it's better than nothing.

[email protected]

[JW]

Thanks I've emailed him too.

[Guest]

Every train from London Bridge to ED this afternoon has either been cancelled or delayed by 15 to 30 min. Most were cancelled....it's just the beginning.

[Charles Notice]

Believe there was some incident at Peckham Rye/station or lines there about that might be the reason.

Not sure what it was but very few trains passing my window

[lpool]

Harriet Harman requesting the franchise be stripped from GOVIA will go nowhere and make zero difference. A better approach would have been to write to Clare Perry saying revised service level she will have approved is inappropriate and should be immediately reviewed.

[Abe_froeman]

Claire Perry thinks the new timetable is adequate. A bit of opposition to that from a heavyweight like Hatty is surely more likely to embarrass Perry into revisiting this.

[Ladygooner]

I gave up on the trains long ago and now go by bus - but they are already full and I am dreading monday morning! Do you think there is any chance the bus companies could put on more buses in East Dulwich?

[Nigello]

Ladygooner,

See my response from the GLA ransport head a few messages up. (Short version - no.)

[Ladygooner]

Thanks Nigello. I seem to remember extra bus services during a train strike so would have thought they could do the same again?

[Brooks]

This could get expensive for them: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/09/passengers-to-be-given-refunds-on-journeys-as-major-rail-operato/

[Lowlander]

Brooks Wrote:

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> This could get expensive for them:

> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/09/passeng

> ers-to-be-given-refunds-on-journeys-as-major-rail-

> operato/

Unbelievably it's taxpayer's money - from that article: "The refund scheme is paid for by the Government rather than by the train operator, under a historic franchise deal struck with parent company Govia Thameslink."

[Ladygooner]

Anyone know if there are any bike racks/storage at Oval station?

[rendelharris]

Ladygooner Wrote:

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> Anyone know if there are any bike racks/storage at

> Oval station?

There are a dozen or so hoops on the Kennington Road at one side and three or four on the other (nearest The Oval). They always seem pretty full during the day though.

[heartblock]

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jul/10/southern-commuters-plan-victoria-rush-hour-protest?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[Sally Eva]

Re bike hoops and bike parking at the Oval -- where are you going on to?

[Ladygooner]

Sally Eva Wrote:

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> Re bike hoops and bike parking at the Oval --

> where are you going on to?

Angel, Islington

[Sally Eva]

We could take you to the Elephant. That's on the same direct tube line and there's loads of bike parking around LSBU.

There are nice backstreets routes to the Oval. I'm a Peckham girl so the routes I know all go down Rye Lane at some point