Express servicewill be stoppingat Battle station

There is an additional, train running from Hastings to London Charing Cross at 08.04 am resulting in a faster journey time.

The service, launched on January 12, will be stopping at less stations on the way to London Charing Cross than ever before and only be calling at St Leonards, Battle, Tunbridge Wells, High Brooms and Waterloo East.

There will be an additional return journey at 16.20pm Charing Cross to Hastings service calling at Waterloo East, High Brooms, Tunbridge Wells, Battle and St Leonards, resulting in a journey time of 90 minutes.

The new was welcomed by Hastings MP Amber Rudd, who says she has been campaigning persistently for the additional service.

Amber said: “I am delighted the new Hastings Express is being launched this week. This will not only ensure a quicker and much more reliable journey between Hastings and London, but it will also have a fundamental effect on the economic growth of the local area.

“I am grateful that the Department for Transport has listened to the pleas of so many commuters and campaigners and accepted the need for a Hastings Express service in the new franchise this year.

“I’d like to thank all those who have helped me to achieve this, including the rail groups SHRIMP and ESRA. They have shown years of dedication to this cause and without them this wouldn’t have been possible.

Amber is holding a Rail Summit on January 30 at Sussex Coast College. There will be presentations from the Rail Minister, Claire Perry MP; Network Rail; Southern; Southeastern; and others.