Rail Plan 2020 was created so that train travel would be easier, easing congestion and improving the general service, but ‘meltdown Monday’ revealed that we still have a long way to go.
At least 400 journeys were either cancelled or delayed on the first day of the complete overhaul of timetables.
Southern, Thameslink, Northern and Gatwick Express changed every single train time, whilst adding and taking carriages away.
Yesterday however saw dangerous conditions on station platforms as commuters tried to get home during rush hour.
Lewisham Station became dangerously overcrowded last night during a lightning storm, causing a woman to nearly fall between the train and the platform.
Caroline Gilbey, a commuter said: “People were crammed onto the train and that massive gap that I nearly fell in getting on the train last night - Luckily a man grabbed me and pulled me into the train.”
It wasn’t just the overcrowded platform that was the problem, some commuters were stuck on crowded trains stopped just outside the station.
Olly Loosemore on Twitter said: “@networkrail @Se_Railway what’s the latest with #hithergreen. Stuck outside #Lewisham station on a train. I’m Diabetic and blood sugar is dropping.”
Michelle Acford tweeted: “@Se_Railway Been stuck sitting just past #Lewisham station for the past 20 mins.”
And Euan Wilson said: “Once again standing on a crowded train at a standstill outside Lewisham station. Thanks again @Se_Railway we can always rely on you!”
Here are some other journeys that were effected last night.
So, as predicted, the 17:21 Thameslink train (St Pancras to Bedford) was an overcrowded nightmare. Why is the stop at St Albans included on these ‘fast’ services? #bedford #Rail2020 #railplan2020 pic.twitter.com/6rH7h2Rsnp
— Keir Lumsden (@Keir_Lumsden) May 21, 2018
More packed than ever after @TLRailUK changes. One train over 30 mins - absolutely dreadful #Thameslink #omnishambles pic.twitter.com/k0j2oR5vue
— Kate McAndrew (@KateMcAndrew01) May 21, 2018
1st day of Thameslink’s experiment to see how few trains they can get away with running from Harpenden to London during the morning peek #tlrailuk #fail pic.twitter.com/3Bv6hnI2IV
— Paul Smith (@IamPaulESmith) May 21, 2018
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel