Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that rail services between East Surrey constituency and London are restored to pre-covid-19 outbreak levels as soon as possible.

The Department continues to work closely with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) as they adjust its timetable to meet the demand for travel and to mitigate the impact of staff absences on rail services.

Direct Southern weekday services between Uckfield and London Bridge, and East Grinstead and London Victoria will recommence from 21 February.

Currently, GTR are running services between Uckfield and East Croydon, with connections available from East Croydon for onward travel to London Bridge and from Monday 10 January, connections were provided to London Victoria. East Grinstead services are currently being redirected to London Bridge.

GTR’s new timetable will be delivered towards the end of February, providing more services in your constituency. These plans are currently being finalised and an update will be sent to stakeholders such as yourself by 11 February.

Department officials continue to work closely with GTR to ensure a reliable and punctual service is delivered as passengers return to the network. GTR has informed the Department that the provision of services will remain under active review, adjusting to changes in passenger demand as we move out of the pandemic.