Major timetable alteration planned on SW Trains

Biggest changes since 1967 with Hounslow Loop service to be boosted

One of the biggest ever changes to the timetable on local train services is being planned for the end of this year.

Stations such as Putney and Brentford will no longer served by some of the faster running trains from destinations such as Reading. South West Trains say that these services were already very overcrowded by the time they got closer into London and users of these stations will benefit from an increased service on the Hounslow Loop line.

Fast services to Reading will be re-routed through Richmond, meaning that they are unable to stop at Brentford. SWT chose Brentford as a destination for the semi-fast services following the rebuilding of the station, partly funded by section 106 contributions from GlaxoSmithKline. The pharmaceuticals conglomerate is understood not to be happy about the planned changes.

Michael Cavanagh of South West Trains told us, "December 2004 will see the biggest timetable alteration on the South West Trains' network since 1967 and coincides with the introduction of yearly timetables as opposed to traditional summer and winter versions."

The details of the timetable, which comes into force on 12 December, are still being finalised. According to Mr. Cavanagh the current plan is for additional services to provide four trains an hour all day on the Hounslow Loop. It is understood that the new timetable will run from Mondays to Saturdays, with no improvements to the hourly service on Sundays.

July 15, 2004