Rye area to get fastest trains in Britain
The Rye area is to get the UK's firsts high speed bullet trains six months ahead of schedule.
It will mean Rye commuters can make the journey from Ashford to London in just under 30 minutes - halving the current time.
The Javelin train is built by the company that makes Japan's iconic bullet train and will run at 140mph on commuter services into London.
It will be Britain's fastest ever domestic train with the current highest speed 125mph.
But it still leaves us behind Spain who recently introduced 217mph trains.
The new trains have been imported from Japan at a cost of 250 million.
Southeastern has confirmed that a limited high speed 'preview' service will begin on Monday June 29.
The preview service will run at high speed between Ashford International, Ebbsfleet International and St Pancras International from Monday to Friday.
It will offer passengers the chance to experience what the UK's first high speed service will be like when it is fully introduced on December 13.
The preview services will also allow Southeastern to continue testing, training, adjust to passenger feedback and ensure that the full introduction of the service runs smoothly.
Charles Horton, Southeastern managing director said: "These preview services offer many passengers the opportunity to reduce their journey times and experience what it is like to travel at up to 140 miles an hour on the UK's first ever high speed line.
"This is an extremely exciting time for the whole rail industry and we are pleased we are able to provide this preview service six months early and offer our passengers greater choice."
Travelling on the high speed trains will cost a premium.
Mr Horton said: "The cost of travelling high speed will be more than the existing mainline service. For example, a mainline single fare from Ashford International costs 22.20 compared to 26.60 for the new preview high speed fare, an addition of 4.40.
"For existing Southeastern ticket holders the additional supplement can be purchased at any station and all first class ticket holders are able to travel on the high speed service for no extra cost."
Rye rail action group Marshlink has welcomed the news but they are still talking to the rail company on a number of issues, including whether current concessions, such as those for over 60's, will apply on the new service.
Chairman Stuart Harland said: "This will make a big difference for Rye commuters and those needing to get into London quickly.
"But there is still the issue of the connection between Rye and Ashford. Commuters are still facing long waits at Ashford and we need to push for better connections."
Ironically those arriving on the 140mph super trains will then have to board single track diesel trains to continue the journey to Rye.
The trains will add 10,000 seats a day to South Eastern services, which already carry nearly 400,000 passengers a day.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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