Please be aware that train operating companies across the country including Southern will be making some changes to their timetables from Sunday, May 21. With regard to Marshlink services there is one significant change with the effect that the first weekday train of the day departs from Rye earlier, scheduled to arrive at Ashford and St Pancras significantly earlier:
Current service:
5:45am ex Rye; arr Ashford 6:07am; dep Ashford 6:30am; arr St Pancras 7:08am
Service from May 22:
5:38am ex Rye; arr Ashford 6am; dep Ashford 6:06am; arr St Pancras 6:44am
Before travelling to any part of the UK rail network, please check the train operating company’s website or National Rail.
Image Credits: MLAG .
The other major change on Marshlink services is that both Winchelsea and Three Oaks see their services doubled – from one train every two hours to an hourly service in both directions. Southern will doubtless be monitoring the use of the increased services as these are at the expense of cutting out the stop at Normans Bay.
The complete timetable can be downloaded here https://timetables.southernrailway.com/SN/#/timetables/1781/Table%20U
Unfortunately this change is all bit late and with no Rye shuttles in morning and evening all commuters has had to make other arrangements.
I am sure number of extra passengers using Winchelsea and Three Oaks will make up for difference in numbers.
I expect next change will be removal of services completely from marshlink line. I know Department of Transport are desperate to find saving and with the lack and expense of diesel rolling stock used on the marshlink it prime line to cut. Specially if they can show lack of use.
Just look at what happened to the swimming pool and it is one of few lines that will have no services at all on RMT strike day on 2nd June