Oops! Wrong picture.
Nope. That's not it either.
Aha! That's the one! Now, where was I? Ah, yes... hurrah! Ramsgate is to get the new super-duper, 800mph trains that will whisk us well-heeled DFLs to and from the Millionaires' Playground in under 15 minutes from the start of next month. That's three months early!The limited 'preview' service is in preparation for the real deal in December, when comfortable, half hourly supertrains will glide you into the magnificently restored St Pancras station, a mere hop, skip and jump from the heart of North London's media luvvyland (and my London bolthole most importantly).
Of course, one or two wizened Tory duffers on the north of the island with a regular need to go and fill in their expenses forms at Westminster or bladder themselves up at the annual old farts reunion will bemoan the fact that the service doesn't pull into shabby Victoria. But hey ho, they'll be dead soon so who cares? Besides it's only five stops on the underground from St Pancreas anyway. If they can last that long without a lavatory, that is.
Meanwhile, just to rub it in, here's one station the preview service won't be stopping at!
17 comments:
That's also one station that planes don't fly over.
My sister who lives and works in New Zealand has some freinds who work for Infratil and they have told her that the company has given Manston six months to break even otherwise they will shut down. I think this would be a tragedy for Thanet as the airport represents the future for employment here in area that really needs it. Please has anyone else heard this rumour?
my sisters, boyfriends, husbands sons friend works in New Zealand and he says that it's a load of bollox !
Ow much?
S'cuse me, weren't we talking about trains, the sensible alternative to aircraft?
Whats this fifteen minutes you mention. Are the trains to Ramsgate realy flying or is this just Estate Agent speak for the true journey time?
Not heard that one 2.53, but the chief exec of the airport himself says the losses are unsustainable and the airport will close if things do not pick up.
The rumour contains a timeline, the only thing missing from the chief execs presentation .
True hourney time is a max of 1hour, 19 mins. This includes a 7 min wait at ashford.
Cllr Moores (he's a doctor you know) is using his contacts to ensure the train stops at Westgate too.
anon 2:53 PM - the airport will not drag Thanet kicking and screaming from dole to gainful employment. Take a look at Thanet Earth - plenty of work going there - hard work, reasonable pay. Who works there? Eastern European migrants. Why? They're the only applicants with the correct work ethic.
I really wish they would shut down and take their lies made up job creation with them.
I dont mind if the Doc does that, The saga bloke used to nag Tony Blair to invest in Folkestone whenever he could.
Getting back to trains...
I like the new trains and since I do the Ramsgate to London commute every day I thought I would welcome them more than I have.
The problem I have is that I work in South London so the quicker journey time is negated by the time spent on the tube getting back across London. I suspect that those working in North or Central London will be happy but if you work in north london why would you live south of the city?
It's a real shame as I'd happily pay for the quick service.
So it's not just a few old duffers who'd like the train to call into London Bridge or Victoria. The quick train is much more suitable for those heading to other parts of the country who wish to bypass the tube to get across London.
I think you will find the massively improved connection from Thanet to north London is what is attracting people from that area down here. The more the merrier I say. I can get to the North Circular in not much more than an hour by car these days (Thanet Way, M2, M25, A13), and when the fast trains start I will be able to arrive at my office in Camden in little over an hour and a half. Excellent.
I travel frequently to the city from ramsgate.
getting there via st pancras on the fast trains is quicker even with the tube journey attached.
plus you get to travel via a brand new station, with brand new amenities, shops, bars, restaurants. The trains stop at less places, have wider seats, larger tables, more legroom.
All for a premium, of course.
Peter - southeastern allow you to take fold up bikes on the train.
This is the best news I have heard since moving to Ramsgate a decade ago. :)
I work in London so this will be fantastic, I already have my London work colleagues house hunting in Ramsgate as there is expected to be quite a house price hike once the service becomes established.
Great news.
work in the city and come home to the seaside.. nice. :)
I think it's great for everyone including Ramsgate but all I was saying, rather selfishly is, for me it's not worth it.
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