Opposition mounts to SWR's planned timetable reductions

摘要

PASSENGERS, pressure groups and local authorities have strongly criticised South Western Railway plans for a permanent reduction in services. The train operator intends to run 7% fewer trains, partly offset by the long-delayed introduction of higher-capacity Class 701 Arterio rolling stock. However, some suburban routes will see services reduced by half, while trains to Bristol will be removed altogether. SWR is consulting stakeholders on the changes, which would be complete by December 2022. The consultation, which ends on September 19, does not invite contributions from individual passengers. The company says the cuts seek to balance performance, demand and "our other requirements, such as taxpayer value". It predicts that overall passenger demand will return to 76% of pre-pandemic levels, but that commuter and business travel demand would only reach 60% of the 2019 figure. Leisure travel is predicted to bounce back to the same level as before the pandemic.