Longer platforms: Longer trains, new timetable from December 2011

Mike reports that the platform extension work at Brockley Station is due for completion on December 5th, 2011, paving the way for longer, more evenly-spaced trains to London Bridge when the new timetable launches later that month. The new timetable means a net loss of one train as two poorly-used trains are cut while one is introduced to fill a gap. The Southern email states:

On the Sydenham route, we will be running longer peak time trains, with the 06.32, 07.02, 08.02 and 08.32 Norwood Junction to London Bridge and 16.36, 17.05, 17.36, 18.06 and 18.36 London Bridge to West Croydon services being lengthened from 8 to 10 cars.

An additional 09.36 Crystal Palace to London Bridge service calling at all stations will be introduced. This fills a 17 minute gap in the shoulder peak towards London Bridge on the Sydenham route.

The existing 17.25 and 18.24 London Bridge to Crystal Palace trains will be withdrawn due to low passenger numbers. The 17.19 and 18.19 London Bridge to London Victoria via Crystal Palace service will continue to operate as now as will the 17.36 and 18.36 London Bridge to West Croydon services which will be increased to run with 10 coaches. Coaches released from the withdrawn services have been redeployed to reduce overcrowding on other services on the Redhill route.

Overall, longer coaches on peak services, with two trains axed in the evening peak, however those longer coaches will compensate.

Mike has helpfully worked out when the new London-bound trains leave Brockley:

06.32, 07.02, 08.02 and 08.32 Norwood Junction to London Bridge

- from Brockley these are at 06.47, 07.17, 08.17 and 08.47

09.36 Crystal Palace to London Bridge

- will be a new train at 09.47 (with the existing 09.50 still running 3 minutes after)