Trespasser causing major problems on Southeastern

A trespasser in the Hither Green area has caused long rail delays this afternoon and forced a cessation of services for nearly an hour.

Though now apprehended, the disruption will last into the evening rush hour according to Southeastern. Not what is needed with severe crowding on lines to to the closure of the Bexleyheath line this week.

That has led to increased pressure on the Sidcup and Woolwich lines. Southeastern have come in for criticism for failing to run many 12-car trains to compensate – even on services that avoid Woolwich Dockyard (short platforms) and certain platforms at Charing Cross (the same issue).

If Southeastern had new or upgraded stock these issues could have been avoided and 12-car trains would be able to run – but continual short term franchise extensions over the past six years from the Department for Transport have ruled it out.

As a private renter living costs are very high and ads bring in relatively little to the site. I run it alone, and you can support me through Paypal with a one-off or monthly donation here

Another option is via Patreon with offers monthly payments by clicking here

Finally there's the Ko-fi option

Many thanks

There's also a Facebook page for the site here