Coast is clear on Thameslink from May 2012

Thameslink link restored across central London

The coast is clear from May 2012 when we begin running Thameslink rail services through the heart of London again all day and every day, offering uninterrupted journeys between Bedford and Brighton!

Since December 2008, the Thameslink route has been closed between St Pancras International (and sometimes Kentish Town) and London Bridge/Herne Hill every night and virtually every weekend.

That has allowed Network Rail to upgrade the signalling system ready for the fast, metro-style service of up to 24 trains per hour in each direction from 2018 and also to redevelop Farringdon and Blackfriars stations.

Passengers have been forced to take the Tube across London but from 19 May 2012 the route will reopen throughout the week and at weekends.

This is great news for anyone heading across London for a daytrip to the coast maybe or to catch a flight at Gatwick or Luton, both of which are on the Thameslink route.

Longer weekend trains

Furthermore, First Capital Connect will be running longer weekend trains from 19 May 2012: eight carriage trains nearly all day between Bedford and Brighton on Saturdays and Sundays.

Better on the loop

There will also be a better weekend service for people on the Wimbledon/Sutton loop. On Saturdays from 26 May, extra evening trains will run on the Wimbledon loop to and from St Albans. On Sundays from 27 May, there will be additional trains twice an hour between Sutton and Blackfriars via Mitcham.

Changes to look out for

There will be no changes to the timing of trains south of London once we begin running again through the heart of the capital at weekends and overnight. However, these trains will leave Bedford at different times (up to half an hour difference) because of the variation in journey times between the current replacement bus service in central London and the train.

However, engineering work will divert services away from London Bridge via Tulse Hill on certain days.