MP calls for train timetable recast to speed up journeys
15th March Transport Bournemouth
PLANS are underway to reduce journey times between Bournemouth and London.
Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, is campaigning to make travel between the two destinations faster and more convenient.
He said: “I want people to be able to travel between Bournemouth and London conveniently.
“I made this request following discussions with local people and businesses and ahead of South Western Railway’s nationalisation in May 2025. SWR is the first major train operator to be returned to public ownership.
“I want constituents, businesses, and Bournemouth to benefit from this transition, and the return of faster train times.”
Mr Hayes is also pushing for improved Wi-Fi on all SWR services and better accessibility at Pokesdown Station.
To achieve faster journeys, he is calling for SWR to carry out a full timetable review — something that has not been done since 2004.
This process, known as a recast, involves reorganising train schedules across the network to create better pathways for faster services.
SWR has acknowledged that a recast is the most effective way to improve journey times but said these reviews are complex and happen infrequently.
The last major recast for this route was in 2004, but SWR confirmed they are monitoring changing travel patterns, which could support a future review.
Mr Hayes added: “While they haven't put it in writing yet, their response is a nod and a wink that it could happen.
"A recast involves reviewing the entire timetable to identify ways to improve journey times, and they are very supportive of making those improvements.
"It's a big task that requires careful planning, as they’ll need to decide whether to reduce stops in some areas or introduce more express services. They’ll also have to consider that some of these stops are in places experiencing economic growth, so there’s a lot to balance."
A South Western Railway spokesperson said: “Bournemouth is an important destination on our network, so we are pleased to work closely with MPs like Tom and BCP Council to provide the best possible service for our customers.
“We continuously monitor travel patterns to optimise our timetable, balancing the need for a quick and reliable service with infrastructure capacity and demand at other stations. Any significant changes would involve consultation with our local stakeholders.
“While we provide free on-board Wi-Fi for all our customers, we are actively developing ways to enhance the coverage across our network.”
