Thameslink - Thameslink Programme (Thameslink 2000)

Thameslink Programme (Thameslink 2000)

Main article: Thameslink Programme See also: Thameslink rolling stock programme

Following the success of the original scheme, plans were drawn up to upgrade the Thameslink network to cope with increasing passenger numbers which have led to severe peak-time overcrowding. Network Rail obtained planning permission and legal powers in 2006, funding was secured in July 2007 and construction began in October 2007. Some of the work, notably platform lengthening, has now been completed, with further work programmed for the period from 2012 to 2018.

The London and South East Route Utilisation Strategy published in July 2011 lays out a provisional 24tph timetable. South of London it would provide four trains to Brighton (one semi-fast, one stopping) and two trains per hour each to Three Bridges, Horsham, East Grinstead, Caterham, Tattenham Corner, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford International, Maidstone East, Sevenoaks and Bellingham. North of London there would be eight semi-fast trains to Bedford, four stopping trains to St Albans, two stopping and two semi-fast trains to Luton, two semi-fast trains to Peterborough, two semi-fast trains to Cambridge and four stopping trains to Welwyn Garden City - see Thameslink Programme article for table and details.