New direct rail link reconnects Eastbourne, Lewes and London Bridge
Passengers travelling from East Sussex to the capital welcomed the return of a direct rail link today, Monday 15 December, as the first reinstated service from Eastbourne to London Bridge entered operation under the new December timetable.
The early-morning train departed Eastbourne at 06:47, calling at Lewes and other intermediate stations before arriving into London Bridge ahead of schedule, reaching the capital five minutes early. The service provides a new direct commuting option designed to make journeys into the City quicker and more straightforward.
Southern, operated by Govia Thameslink Railway, has introduced the service following a steady rise in passenger numbers. The direct link had been removed during the pandemic but has now been restored to offer additional capacity on what is one of the busiest corridors between the south coast and London.
The timetable includes one morning service towards London and a corresponding evening return working back to Eastbourne. The train will operate during term time from Monday to Thursday, leaving Eastbourne at 06:47 and arriving at London Bridge at 08:25. The return journey departs London Bridge at 17:03, arriving back in Eastbourne at 18:35.
Between Eastbourne and London, the service calls at Hampden Park, Polegate, Berwick, Glynde, Lewes, Cooksbridge, Plumpton, Haywards Heath, Three Bridges and East Croydon.
To mark the first departure, a small celebration was held at Eastbourne station, attended by local MP Josh Babarinde, who has campaigned for the service to be reinstated.
Josh Babarinde MP said:
“I am delighted that our campaign to restore the direct train service between Eastbourne and London Bridge has been successful – this is a massive win for our town. A huge thank you to everyone who backed the campaign, both in person and online. Your support made all the difference and showed just how vital strong transport links are for our town. I'm incredibly grateful to Govia Thameslink Railway and Southern for their cooperation throughout this process and their help in getting Eastbourne back on track!”
Southern said the return of the service reflects growing demand for direct rail travel from the south coast, while also supporting wider efforts to encourage passengers back onto the railway.
Jenny Saunders, Southern’s Customer Services Director, said:
“I am delighted that we’ve been able to introduce this direct service from the coast to the capital. We know this is something our customers have been calling for. We’re doing everything we can to encourage people back to rail, which is the most sustainable form of public transport. We want our services to get you to where you need to be comfortably and reliably. We think this timetable improvement will build on that success and are pleased to have worked with local stakeholders to make the case for its introduction.”
Image: Southern