The first passengers have been boarding trains at a new station in Kent today.
Thanet Parkway between Ramsgate and Minster opened for business this morning, and the first train of the day was the 04.58 High Speed service to London St Pancras International.
Southeastern has predicted that the station will be used by more than 100,000 passengers in its first year.
The station has two 250m platforms which are long enough for 12-car trains. As well as High Speed services to London, local journeys can also be made to places like Canterbury, Margate, Ashford and Broadstairs.
The station is fully accessible and will be staffed on weekdays between 08.00 and 16.00 for the next six weeks. Southeastern said it was ‘committed to keeping staffing of the station under review’.
As well as rail connections, Thanet Parkway is a potential integrated transport hub.
A new road provides access to the station from the A299 Hengist Way, with parking available for 293 vehicles, including 16 for Blue Badge holders, as well as several charging points for electric vehicles.
Pick up and drop off zones have also been set out, along with a station bus stop which will be served by an electric minibus shuttle to nearby Discovery Park.
Cliffsend and Sevenscore level crossings have been upgraded at the same time. At Cliffsend the current AHBs are being replaced with full barriers with CCTV monitored from East Kent Signalling Centre in Gillingham.
The station and level crossing works have been jointly funded by the Department for Transport, South East Local Enterprise Partnership, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Thanet District Council and Kent County Council.
The station forms part of Network Rail’s Thanet Corridor Enhancements Programme which includes upgrades to Dibleys, Ships Meadow and Grove Ferry crossings to allow line speed increases between Ashford, Canterbury West and Ramsgate.
Southeastern managing director Steve White said: ‘We are delighted to welcome another fully accessible station to our network offering sustainable travel options. Each customer who parks at this new station and takes our all-electric railway to London will reduce their CO2 emissions by approximately 11 kilos compared to driving. Additionally, the station offers charging points for electric vehicles as well as ample parking for cycles, supporting aspirations for active travel.’
Thanet Parkway is one of two National Rail stations opening this week. The other is Portway Park and Ride on the Severn Beach line in Bristol, which was officially opened by transport secretary Mark Harper this morning. Train services will begin tomorrow.