The launch of High Speed rail services direct from Maidstone West to St Pancras on Monday 23 May is being welcomed by Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council.
The councils have been campaigning for better rail links to the capital since key peak-hour services to the City were cut in timetable changes.
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste, Bryan Sweetland, said:
“We are delighted that High Speed has come to Maidstone and hope it will prove a big benefit to commuters. As part of our work standing up for Kent rail users we also want to see a new City service all day on the Maidstone East line, to reinstate City connections from Maidstone and West Malling.
“This was one of several points we raised with Transport Minister Theresa Villiers when we met earlier this month to present her with a copy of the Rail Action Plan for Kent, which outlines changes we want to see in the next rail franchise, in 2014.”
Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Cllr Chris Garland, said:
“We are very pleased that commuters will benefit from new High Speed services to St Pancras and will be actively supporting Southeastern’s six-month trial by introducing discounted commuter parking opposite the Law Courts at Barker Road car park.
“While we recognise this initiative will not replace lost city services, it is a meaningful step in the right direction and no doubt reflects Maidstone’s continued success as an economic hub and desirable place to live, as well as the successful campaign led by local MP Helen Grant, Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council.”
Three morning services will depart Maidstone West at 06.56, 07.26 and 07.56 Monday to Friday before calling at Strood, Gravesend, Stratford International before arriving at St Pancras in just 47 minutes.
Three afternoon/evening services will depart St Pancras Monday to Friday from 17.14, 17.44 and 18.14.
