18.05.12
727 more services for Blackfriars station
Blackfriars’ final two platforms are now open for use, meaning passengers will benefit from an extra 727 trains every week.
Southeastern services to Sevenoaks will begin using the new platforms on Monday, May 21 and First Capital Connect services to Sutton will operate from Sunday, May 27. Alongside the return of weekend and late evening services, this will result in a 40% increase in the number of trains serving the station.
Blackfriars station will be fully operational by this summer, and work on the bridge will continue into the autumn.
Network Rail senior programme manager for Blackfriars, Paul Byrne, said: “Our work to rebuild Blackfriars is approaching completion with two new platforms opening on Saturday, coupled with the end of weekend closures on the route, allowing over 700 extra trains to serve the station each week.
“We’ve still got a plenty of work to do before the Blackfriars upgrade is completed but more areas of the new station are opening month by month, train services are improving, and passengers are seeing the benefits.”
First Capital Connect customer service director Keith Jipps said: “The continued improvements at Blackfriars station are great news for our customers. We’ll have 40% more trains serving the station once we reopen at night and weekends. This and the new south station entrance, suddenly makes Blackfriars a great destination for art lovers and theatregoers.”
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