Thread by @Sidcup4Remain

@Se_Railway attended the @LBofBexley transport committee meeting yesterday. Your CEO and Ops Director couldn't be bothered to turn up to the meeting in person (video link). The public did, objecting to the unconsulted sweeping changes that are happening from 11th December. 1/14

People taking time away from family or after work to attend a presentation by 4 @Se_Railway bosses including Steve White and Scott Buckland talking to a diverse group of commuters, workers, mothers, elderly, retired, women worried about access, safety, journey time, crowding 2/14

Not one woman presenting, all 4 males 40/50 ish telling women that decisions were made that will severely impact their lives without consultation because they planned no time before implementing and that the Dft signed off on this. Admitting these changes are extensive 3/14

@Se_Railway bosses using language like 'lady' and 'manning' stations. No wonder the railways don't attract women to the workforce and @railindustry RIA need to address this top down. 4/14

Takeaways: Rationale not wholly about revenue but simplification of routes to clear Lewisham crossover, with passengers south of Lewi' being forced to change at London Bridge. The hub inevitably getting busier,a nightmare for able bodied, let alone those with mobility issues 5/14

Overall they claim that services reduced by 6%, of course certain lines bear the brunt, the ones that are the 'metro' stations that are covered by TFL, where revenue is shared. Eg Albany Park have 50% reduction in services 6/14

Admitting that Albany Park vacancies meant that gates are unattended and data missed. To public consternation, saying Albany Park has unusually low passenger numbers for a metro line. Public saying trains feel just as busy at all times. 7/14

Weekend trips to Charing Cross for theatre trips, Central London, now more difficult thanks to the extra change at London Br. Bosses acknowledge this would inconvenience people but confident that their 30 page unfinished unshared Equalities Impact Assessment addresses this 8/14

Councillor @danfrancis02 pointing out that a 30 page report for over 164 managed stations was risible, 30 pages even by council stands for minor changes might be acceptable, clearly @Se_Railway are not taking the impact on people seriously 9/14

Councillor @sally_hinkley concerned about the loss of the Cannon Street Loop. Bosses on the one hand boast #elizabethline a game changer but removing the loop to Woolwich cutting us off,even admitting pleasantly surprised with the traffic from their trains to the new line 10/14

@danfrancis02 pointing out that removal of the loop to Abbey wood based on data pre- opening of the line from Woolwich 11/14

On revenue, @Se_Railway is government owned, they are not in it for shareholders so should be in it for providing a service, not making people's lives harder & feels like managed decline to make rail planners lives easier because they won't invest long term 12/14

Lots of talk about accessibility. If they wish Albany Park to generate more revenue they would add lifts,invest in the station, Sidcup was listed, but everyone knows both platforms there are accessible from the road. The reality is senior card holders don't generate ££s 13/14

Assurances that simplifying the line means trains can be added as demand goes up, feel hollow. Newer trains are great if you want fewer seats, more standing, more crowding vs fewer trains, more changes, poor access, why not fund new frequent trains that aren't crowded? 14/14