Well I know that this train company is still listed in Ciao as Connex South Central, but for the last year and a bit, this train service has changed hands. It is now run by a company called Govia, under the new name South Central.
Having been in Brighton now in university for three years ... Read review
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Advantages: Much better than they used to be. Disadvantages: Still a way to go.
...listed in Ciao as Connex South Central, but for the last year and a bit, this train service has changed hands. It is now run by a company called Govia, under the new name South Central.
Having been in Brighton now in university for three years I have seen first hand how the train service has been running here. When I arrived, Connex was in charge down here and had a fairly bad reputation. With an open mind, I used this service on many ... ...Govia took control of the south central network as Connex had left it in such a mess. They were using the same rolling stock and poor stations. However, it does have to be said, that Govia have done a really good job and should be commended for their efforts.
Firstly, Govia have invested a great deal of money into the network here. They have improved many of the smaller stations, with new signs, and given them a lick of paint making ... more
Well I know that this train company is still listed in Ciao as Connex South Central, but for the last year and a bit, this train service has changed hands. It is now run by a company called Govia, under the new name South Central.
Having been in Brighton now in university for three years I have seen first hand how the train service has been running here. When I arrived, Connex was in charge down here and had a fairly bad reputation. With an open mind, I used this service on many occasions, on both the longer routes into London and to Gatwick Airport, in addition to the suburban routes to the university station at Falmer.
However, after a few months I came to realise that Connex reputation was well deserved. Often late, cancellations were common place and overcrowding due to lack of available rolling stock. To make matters worse, the majority of their services were on 'slam door' trains, dating back to the 1950's. This really was not on and it came as little surprise to me when Connex lost the francise and were replaced by Govia.
I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much once Govia took control of the south central network as Connex had left it in such a mess. They were using the same rolling stock and poor stations. However, it does have to be said, that Govia have done a really good job and should be commended for their efforts.
Firstly, Govia have invested a great deal of money into the network here. They have improved many of the smaller stations, with new signs, and given them a lick of paint making them a much more pleasant place to wait. Secondly, and much more recently, a number of brand new trains have entered service. Replacing many of the old slam door varieties, these new trains look very nice indeed, and this inspires confidence in them. The interior of the trains are also very impressive indeed, with comfortable seating as well as many tables and plenty of legroom. Also reading lights above your head are a good addition, as well as a clear public address system informing the passengers of the next station on the line. More of these trains will be appearing on the network over the next few months as power supply problems are overcome, with the intention of eliminating all slam door trains over the coming months.
In addition to the new trains, it has to be said that punctuality has improved alot under Govia. Although you do still have late trains, the delays tend to be of less than 10 minutes which isn't a major problem. Cancellations are also now very rare. The new trains have much better reliability, and the problems with staff shortages have been addressed. Obviously not all problems have been eliminated in such a short time, and you still get the odd delay due to an unforseen event, but these are less and less the fault of the actual train company itself.
One of the major problems still to be fully addressed is to eliminate overcrowding, especially on rush hour trains into London. This is partly due to lack of larger trains, however it does have to be stated that this is one of the busiest parts of the British network, and this causes problems out of Govia's control.
Lastly I feel that I should inform you of the routes that I have used. Obviously, other people may have had other experiences on other South Central routes, and I would welcome any feedback on this.
Brighton - London Brighton - Falmer Brighton - Eastbourne Brighton - Worthing Brighton - Portsmouth. And vice versa.
Finally to sum up Govia, I would have to take a leaf out of politicians and say that a good line is 'Alot done, more to do.' Govia have made incredible progress over the last year, and should be commended on their determination combined with their investment. However, it is not all rosy, and continued investment and work is needed to ensure that the South is provided with the rail service that they deserve.
Advantages: it's better than walking in the rain Disadvantages: Price, punctuality, reliability, lack of leg room, rude staff, early ticket-office closure....
I have lived in the Brighton area all my life, and have used the trains, since I don't drive for approximately the same amount of time - I remember when it was part of the national rail network, I remember Connex, and I am enduring Govia, now. May I first point out, in contrast with perhaps popular opinion, that just because something is new, it doesn't mean it is any better - this is certain the case, I would say, of the 'new' trains operated by ... ...half the leg room; - hey have crammed twice the number of seats into smaller, and fewer carriages; these seats are hard; the electronics fail regularly - the automated displays and 'voices' are more often than not, wrong, if in operation, but more annoying, the doors often lock shut and do not open at station platforms. Other niggles include lack of openable windows (carriages are 'air conditioned' i.e. heaters on in summer, fans on in winter); lack ...
ukpcdaz 08.12.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of South Central Railway
Advantages: Fairly good network, can be quick Disadvantages: Price, Still unreliable
The South Central network extends across several routes from Bournemouth to Ashford and as far north as Watford. Their principal line is Brighton to Victoria and the fastest trains, stopping just at East Croydon, can do this journey in 50 minutes. Price ranges from £12 return at certain off peak times to around £30 at peak time. A big discrepancy in prices is apparent to other destinations. Brighton to Worthing, a journey of approximately 20 minutes, ... ...there are frequent delays on South Central Services. Sometimes explanations are given but quite often they are not and the company is quite inflexible. For example I was at Lewes station on Saturday night. My train to Brighton due at 23.01 was running half an hour late. During that time a diverted train, en route to Brighton, passed through the station but did not stop. It would have been easy for the staff at Lewes station to contact the driver ...
wehrwulf 16.02.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of South Central Railway
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