The Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA) Brighton Main Line (BML) RUS,[13] published February 2006, as superseded by the Department for Transport's (DfT) consultation[14] and briefing,[15] led to changes in the December 2008 timetable; the most important of these is the change to the Gatwick Express service in the morning peak.
The RUS needs to be seen against existing contingent and prospective schemes, most notably the Thameslink project and the East London Line (ELL) extension (ELLx).
Largely because of these interdependencies the timescale of the SLRUS, while divided into a short, medium and long term, does not coincide with NR's Control Periods (CP) as is usual with RUSs.
Three major projects affect the situation in the short term: The reconstruction of Blackfriars The commencement of works (in March 2009) results in the closure of the south-facing terminating platforms, 1 to 3, on the east side of the station.
A recasting of services is necessary and, as this location is the boundary between the overhead-line and third-rail electrification area, additional dual-voltage stock is required.
At the time of SLRUS publication, the preparation for the process of refranchising of services on the South Central area was well underway.
The DfT subsequently (in May 2008) issued a briefing document in respect of the process, and identified service level commitments (SLC) which closely corresponded with the schedule highlighted in the RUS as follows: As SLC2 had to include provision for ELLx1, that in turn would have extensive impact on other aspects of the timetable, which need to be consistent with the following service levels and outline timetable: SLC3 is dealt with below as part of the medium term.
However the SLRUS concluded that, owing mainly to the growth in traffic, the overall level of services over the classic routes be broadly retained.
By the time of RUS publication, this had been agreed by DfT and Southeastern as regards the Hayes, Sidcup, Bexleyheath, Greenwich and Chislehurst slow lines.
The RUS recommends 14tph through Blackfriars towards Farringdon: Because of scarcity of dual-voltage rolling stock, some shoulder peak trains may run at less than 8-car formation.
This period corresponds with the commencement of the process of delivery of Thameslink Key Output 2, mainly the redevelopment of London Bridge station and directly related works on both east and west approaches.
A number of interventions are required, including diversion of services to the Thameslink route via Herne Hill, and encouraging passengers to travel to Victoria.
In the longer term further peak train lengthening of up to 12 cars on certain routes may become highly desirable, though technically difficult.
Another strategy could be to increase peak service level frequencies, though the RUS highlights the difficulties and even drawbacks of the interventions required to support that.
In March 2009 Network Rail published its CP4 Delivery Plan 2009, including Enhancements programme: statement of scope, outputs and milestones,[19] confirming most of the recommended interventions.