The frequency of Gatwick Express trains is being reduced as part of a planned cut back in services across the Southern Rail network.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which runs both Gatwick Express and Southern services, has introduced a reduced weekday timetable today (July 11) which has seen the cutting of 341 daily trains – around 15 per cent of its normal timetable.
The company is in dispute with unions over plans for driver-only trains, which has already led to strikes and weeks of last-minute cancellations due to a high level of staff illness.
“The frequency between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport will not be every 15 minutes, with larger gaps between trains at certain times of day,” said the train operator. “Gatwick Express services between London Victoria and Brighton are also subject to alteration.”
Govia Thameslink said the reduced timetable would be in operation “until further notice”.
“We plan to operate the revised timetable until train crew availability returns to normal, and are continuing to do everything possible to restore a full service as soon as we are able,” said the operator.
Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT union, said the amended timetable was an attempt by GTR to “rig their appalling performance figures”.
“The fewer trains you run, the fewer will be delayed and the better your headline performance statistics will look,” added Cash. “That is a fix of epic proportions and the public will not be fooled by this chicanery.
“The new timetable also means that the vast reduction in services, approved by the government, will leave remaining trains dangerously overcrowded and it will be our members at the sharp end left to manage the safety of the passengers.”