Will withdrawn last trains of the day eventually be reinstated ?

[extendedpaul]

I split my time between Kent and South Wales exclusively using public transport. Pre-pandemic I was a regular user of three final services on weekdays.

The first was the 23.55 from St Pancras Intl. to Rainham (Kent). The final service currently departs 23.25.
The second was the 00.10 from London Victoria to Rainham (Kent). The final service is currently the 23.10 although there is a stopping train at 00.40 to Gillingham (Kent).
The third was the 23.20 from Cardiff Queen Street to Caerphilly. The final service currently departs 22.29. The last bus that used to leave at 23.00 has also been withdrawn.

While my own journeys are related to a leisure pursuit, and therefore non-essential, I need to book and pay for events well in advance so I'm not currently doing so. There must, however, be people who used non-running last services to travel home from work.

I am sure there are hundreds of similar scenarios all over the country - can rail users eventually expect a full return to previous last-train times ?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I guess it will depend on if hospitality and entertainment based demands return adequately to justify them or not. That's the main purpose to which trains departing around 2300-0000 are put.

 

[extendedpaul]

All three trains mentioned above were well used, indeed the one to Caerphilly which continued to Rhymney was sometimes standing room only if there'd been a major sporting fixture or a show at Motorpoint or St David's Hall

The first train in the morning from Caerphilly to Cardiff has also been withdrawn.

 

[berneyarms]

Remember that many TOCs have driver shortages due to training being suspended, so it is going to take time for services to return as some will be dependent upon drivers being trained up.

I would imagine the focus will initially be on restoring daytime services. That's what Southeastern are doing from 12 September.

(More info is here - https://newsroom.southeasternrailwa...-in-southeasterns-timetable-from-12-september).

That being said, looking at Realtime Trains, the 23:20 departure from Cardiff Queen Street is due to be restored after the 12 September TfW timetable change.

 

[extendedpaul]

Thank you so much for the information about the 23.20 Cardiff Queen Street departure. Totally made my day. Out with the debit card now ..

 

[berneyarms]

Thank you so much for the information about the 23.20 Cardiff Queen Street departure. Totally made my day. Out with the debit card now ..

I'd caution that things can and may change!!! But you can see it in the journey planner if you try a date from 13th September.

 

[PHILIPE]

Remember that many TOCs have driver shortages due to training being suspended, so it is going to take time for services to return as some will be dependent upon drivers being trained up.

I would imagine the focus will initially be on restoring daytime services. That's what Southeastern are doing from 12 September.

(More info is here - https://newsroom.southeasternrailwa...-in-southeasterns-timetable-from-12-september).

That being said, looking at Realtime Trains, the 23:20 departure from Cardiff Queen Street is due to be restored after the 12 September TfW timetable change.

I have an idea from Twiiter that TFW will be reviewing the Timetable before 12 September to confirm they can operate a sustainable service.
It will no doubt be the basic timetable as showing at present but with the risk of temporary cancellations.

 

[berneyarms]

I have an idea from Twiiter that TFW will be reviewing the Timetable before 12 September to confirm they can operate a sustainable service.
It will no doubt be the basic timetable as showing at present but with the risk of temporary cancellations.

Hence my later thought added at the same time as yours!
Nothing is guaranteed right now.

 

[WelshBluebird]

Worth remembering that TfW are still running a hugely reduced valleys service at the moment so that probably plays into last trains with them too.