Train passengers face more frustration this winter with the announcement of revised' time- tables from Connex South Central.

The changes will affect passengers travelling through Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Common and Balham to Epsom and Sutton.

It will mean fewer trains running because of a shortage of drivers and maintenance staff. The company is facing a backlog of repairs and trains are failing more frequently.

Connex made a commitment to improve its performance when it took over the franchise for its lines at the end of August. It says reducing services is the best way to do this because at least then they will be more reliable.

"We understand this may cause some inconvenience to our passengers and we apologise for this. But the alternative would have been continued passenger frustration with short notice cancellations a situation some of the customers I have met over the past two months would prefer not to encounter," said managing director David Franks.

Connex says there are 78 new drivers currently going through fast-track training. Another 30 engineers are also to be employed.

The company hopes to reinstate full services by the time it draws up its spring timetable in April.

November 12, 2001 12:00