Dear Sir Steve Bullock
Firstly, I must apologise for the delay in sending you this letter following the meeting with John Oliver, our Acting Commercial Director last week.
We have now reviewed our operations since the gates went live and taken into account the views expressed at last week’s meeting. As a result we have decided to revise the operations at both stations as follows:
Forest Hill
As from Monday 28 July we will be providing access to both platforms while the gates are in operation between 0600 and 2000 on Mondays to Saturdays. The access point from Perry Vale onto platform 2 will have a member of staff checking and collecting tickets during these hours.
Sydenham
As from Monday 28 July we will provide access to platform 1 for all passengers with a valid ticket from 0630 to 0930 and then from 1600 to 2000 on Mondays to Fridays. There will be a member of staff present to check and collect tickets. Outside of these times during the day (0930-1600) entry and exit will still be available via buzzer entry for those requiring level access on platform 1.
I hope that this new arrangement is seen as a positive move on this issue.
This means that after the campaigning by the Forest Hill Society, Sydenham Society, Steve Bullock, Jim Dowd, Len Duvall, London Passenger Watch, and local councillors we have succeeded in having access to the station during all hours of train operation (I am assuming that the gate will continue to be open after 8pm). Many thanks to all the residents and politicians who helped make this possible.We will continue to campaign for level access from the Perry Vale side of the station but this is a significant change by Southern Railways which we welcome.
Hat tip: Love Perry Vale
3 comments:
update 29th July:
Staff at Forest Hill told me today that the gate will remain closed between 10am and 3pm, contrary to the commitment by Southern Railway Managing Director. I am seeking further clarification from Southern Railway.
Latest update from Southern Railway:
I can only apologise for this as you are correct we failed to staff the Perry Vale access gate in the off peak yesterday and today - opening it additionally in the morning peak only. This will be rectified from tomorrow when there will be additional staff there to cover it in the off peak as well.
Well done to all who were involved in the resolution of this.
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