MP secures return of direct Eastbourne to London Bridge train

Josh Babarinde, Member of Parliament for Eastbourne has announced jointly with Govia Thameslink Rail today (16th July) that the direct trainline between Eastbourne and London Bridge Station is due to return.

The service, which was withdrawn in 2020 following the reduction in usage during the pandemic, is now due to be restored on the 15th December.

Whilst neighbouring destinations like Brighton are served by trains from stations like London Bridge, London St Pancras International and Farringdon, Eastbourne could - until recently - only be accessed from London Victoria. 

The return of this direct service between London Bridge and Eastbourne during commuter hours will be welcome news for capital city commuters and visitors alike - making it easier to travel to and from the sunniest town in the UK! 

Following his election as Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne in 2024, Mr Babarinde made improving local transport as one of his top priorities. 

• In January, he wrote to Govia Thameslink Railway (the operator), Network Rail and the Department for Transport, calling for the restoration of the service. 

• In March, in a joint letter with Christina Ewbank (CEO Chamber of Commerce) and Cllr Stephen Holt (Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council), the MP highlighted the local desire for the trainline, citing the threats to the town’s economic growth and long-term viability. 

• In June, Mr Babarinde met with GTR representatives to further push for the restoration of the service.

• Earlier this month, he took his campaign public, with a giant ticket-shaped petition outside Eastbourne station signed by local residents. 

And speaking in the House of Commons on June 26th, Mr Babarinde urged the government to back his campaign to restore this service. In a statement celebrating the news, Josh Babarinde MP said:

“After months of campaigning including writing to rail bosses, pressing Ministers in the House of Commons, and gathering thousands of signatures from Eastbournians, I’m delighted that we’ve managed to restore our direct London Bridge rail service.

“I want to thank the operator, GTR, for heeding our calls; the Chamber of Commerce and Dave Cooper MBE for their support and the people of Eastbourne for signing my petition, who I hope this service will have a positive impact on.

“This is a huge victory for our town. I look forward to seeing commuters on 15th December for the first journey up to London Bridge!” 

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Govia Thameslink Railway that runs Southern services from Eastbourne, said: 

“We are delighted to confirm that from December, when timetables next change, we will be able to bring back a direct rail link between Eastbourne, Lewes and London Bridge as we know this is something customers have been calling for.

“There will be one service to London Bridge in the morning with a return service to bring people home in the evening, making commutes to London Bridge and the City much easier.

“The pandemic had a devastating impact on everyone, not least the rail industry, and our weekday commuter numbers are still reduced but recovering.

“We’re doing everything we can to encourage people back to rail, which is the most sustainable form of public transport. The innovative new timetable we introduced along the east coastway two years ago did just that, boosting passenger numbers by giving people better services and easier connections.

“We think this timetable improvement will build on that success and are pleased to have worked with local stakeholders to make the case for its introduction.”