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A direct train between two East Sussex towns and London is being brought back for the first time since 2020.
From December, travellers will be able to reach London Bridge directly from Eastbourne and Lewes as the pre-pandemic Thameslink train will be reinstated. It will only run from Monday to Thursday, making it ideal for commuters.
Rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway said it would make the journey ‘much easier’. Previously, Eastbourne only had one direct service to London Victoria.
At the moment the train will only run twice a day. The Monday to Thursday service will depart from Eastbourne at 6.48am, arriving at London Bridge for 8.25am. The return service will leave London Bridge at 5.03pm and reach Eastbourne at 6.34pm. The commuter train’s first journey will be on December 15 2025.
Visitors planning an overnight trip to Eastbourne could take the 5pm service out of London, but it would only be worth it if you were planning to spend a couple of days in the seaside town (lest you have to return at 8am the following morning). Still, there would be plenty to do during a multi-day visit, including seeing contemporary art at Towner Eastbourne, walking the iconic South Downs cliff path, or having a slap-up meal at one of the many independent restaurants. However, bear in mind that this service won’t work for weekend trips, as it only runs from Monday to Thursday.
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde who had been campaigning for the service to be brought back called the return of the train a ‘huge victory for the town’.
The Liberal Democrat said in a statement: ‘After months of campaigning including writing to rail bosses, pressing Ministers in the House of Commons, and gathering thousands of signatures from Eastbournians, I’m delighted that we’ve managed to restore our direct London Bridge rail service.’
Jenny Saunders, customer services director for Govia Thameslink Railway said: ‘The pandemic had a devastating impact on everyone, not least the rail industry, and our weekday commuter numbers are still reduced but recovering.
‘We’re doing everything we can to encourage people back to rail, which is the most sustainable form of public transport. The innovative new timetable we introduced along the east coastway two years ago did just that, boosting passenger numbers by giving people better services and easier connections.’
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