Hampton Court Train Service

South Western Railway recently consulted on proposed changes to the timetable for a number of its services, including Hampton Court to Waterloo. There were some welcome changes – in particular an earlier first train in the morning, and a later last train back from London in the evening. But there was one aspect of the proposed changes which would badly affect many Molesey residents.

Many passengers arriving at Hampton Court Station use the Transport for London 411 bus to get back to West Molesey – but under the proposed new timetable, the train from London would arrive at Hampton Court station shortly after the 411 bus leaves. This is of particular concern in the evening, when there is only one 411 bus an hour. This leaves Hampton Court at 21.19; 22.19; 23.19 and 00.19. Under the new timetable the train would arrive at Hampton Court at 20 minutes past the hour, leaving passengers having to wait an hour for the next bus and, if they are on the last train, missing it altogether.

We have contacted South Western Railway to point out that this would cause unnecessary hardship for many people, and we have asked them to reconsider the timetable as a priority, to ensure that the incoming train arrives early enough for passengers to connect with the 411 bus; or liaise with Transport for London to negotiate a slightly later time for the bus to depart.

Published on Monday, January 22nd, 2018
in General Interest