Class 395 to Sheerness-on-Sea

[traingeek97]

Does anyone know if the Class 395 has ever run to Sheerness-on-Sea? Are they able to run on the line?

I'm surprised (pre-Covid) there wasn't a direct service during the morning and evening peak.

 

[Javelin700]

One once went there as part of a rail tour a few years back

 

[Mikey C]

Would enough people on Sheppey pay the supplement? It's not a rich area

 

[30907]

I'm surprised (pre-Covid) there wasn't a direct service during the morning and evening peak.

Running a service via HS1 would mean depriving the Kent Coast or Maidstone of a service, as there are no spare units AFAIK.

Direct peak-hour London services from/to Sheerness were reintroduced a few years ago, but as stoppers via Bromley South (they also ran from electrification in 1959 to (IIRC) the mid 70s). That gives some idea of the relative level of demand - it's a service that can be run without extra rolling stock.

 

[Aictos]

Surely if they were going to run a Class 395 to Sheerness then it be a one way service out of there as the quickest way to escape the place.

It makes Luton look middle class in comparison

In all seriousness though, with connections at Faversham do we really need to send a Class 395 to Sheerness?

 

[Ianno87]

Running a service via HS1 would mean depriving the Kent Coast or Maidstone of a service, as there are no spare units AFAIK.

Direct peak-hour London services from/to Sheerness were reintroduced a few years ago, but as stoppers via Bromley South (they also ran from electrification in 1959 to (IIRC) the mid 70s). That gives some idea of the relative level of demand - it's a service that can be run without extra rolling stock.

The direct Vic services also give a relatively easy same-platform change at any of the Medway town station.

I rode one of the direct Vic services in the evening peak back in about 2017. Can only have been a handful of passengers on after Rainham, so not an awful lot of demand.

 

[73128]

Surely if they were going to run a Class 395 to Sheerness then it be a one way service out of there as the quickest way to escape the place.

It makes Luton look middle class in comparison

In all seriousness though, with connections at Faversham do we really need to send a Class 395 to Sheerness?

Can't disagree but from the London end I'd change at Sittingbourne rather than go beyond to Faversham.

 

[PaulJ]

Never mind 395s - a few of these should suit Sheppey passengers.

 

[Aictos]

Can't disagree but from the London end I'd change at Sittingbourne rather than go beyond to Faversham.

Apologies, I knew it was one or the other that you could get connections at but it's been so long I've been there that I've forgotten.

Thank you for reminding me of the correct station for the connections.