Rail disruption across Sussex and Surrey amid planned engineering works
Train passengers across Sussex and Surrey have been warned that engineering works are affecting multiple routes – operated by Southern and Thameslink – on Sunday, March 1.
Rail services linking London with key Sussex towns including Horsham, Bognor Regis, Portsmouth Harbour, Hastings and Ore will face amended timetables, diversions and replacement bus services.
Engineering work between Three Bridges and Horsham means all lines are closed on Sunday.
Southern said buses will replace trains between Three Bridges and Horsham or Billingshurst, while trains will continue to run between Billingshurst and Bognor Regis.
Services between London Victoria and Portsmouth Harbour will run to an amended timetable, with extended journey times, and will be diverted via Hove. The company said these trains will join with Littlehampton services between London Victoria and Worthing and will make additional stops at Three Bridges.
Thameslink passengers are also affected, with buses operating between Three Bridges and Horsham. The operator warned that ‘journey times will be increased when using replacement buses’.
Passengers have been told: “Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.”
Engineering work between Robertsbridge and Hastings is also closing all lines over the weekend.
Southern services between Bexhill and Hastings, Ore and Ashford International will be replaced by buses, while trains between London Victoria, Brighton or Eastbourne and Bexhill will run to amended timetables.
Passengers travelling towards Hastings and Ore have been warned that journeys will take longer when using replacement buses.
Meanwhile, buses will replace Southern trains between Epsom and Dorking due to line closures.
Rail operators said journey times would be increased where replacement buses are in use and advised customers to check before travelling.
In its guidance, Southern said: “For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.”
Passengers are being reminded to check station signage or search for their station online to find replacement bus pick-up and set-down points.
Rail firms say customers should plan ahead, allow extra time and expect busier-than-usual services throughout Sunday.