A radically changed new rail timetable between Brighton and London came into force this week, leading to scores of complaints from commuters about delays and disruption. Shelley Atlas, from Brighton Line Commuters, tells SIOBHAN RYAN that Southern will have to introduce more timetable changes if the service continues to be a problem.

Lots of new systems have teething troubles but when it ends up affecting thousands of commuters trying to get to work then the backlash is fierce.

Some major changes have been brought into Southern’s new winter timetable, not least the extension of the Gatwick Express service to take in stations between Gatwick and Brighton as well as Victoria.

Shelley Atlas, from Brighton Line Commuters, has already been inundated with emails and spoken to numerous people who have approached her on the platform or on the train to complain.

The group is planning to conduct a survey of commuters in January to assess the situation and see what they believe needs to be changed.

She said: “With any timetable change and particularly with a significant one like this, people are going to take a little time to get adjusted to it.

“Some may have to change their existing habits to fit in with the changes and it is going to take a few days for it to settle.

“The fact that trains weren’t working properly and the doors were not opening is unfortunate on the day of such a major change.

“Certain issues have already come to light.

“For example, the 7.33am London Bridge service always used to arrive a couple of minutes later than scheduled.

“Under the new timetable that extra couple of minutes appeared to be taken into account and it was scheduled to arrive a little later.

“Unfortunately, on Tuesday morning it ended up being about seven minutes late – something which commuters were quick to point out.

The group’s survey will also be reviewing platform allocation.

Ms Atlas added: “After hearing there were some large gaps between the platform and the Gatwick Express trains, the issue clearly needs another look.

“Another potential concern is tickets. Everyone who gets on board in Brighton has to have a ticket but those who get on the Gatwick Express at the airport can buy a ticket on board.

“There could be some unrest if those who board in Brighton without a fare are subjected to a fine, while those who get on later aren’t.

“It was different when the Gatwick Express was a completely separate service but it isn’t any more and that needs to be taken into account.

“There are different types of customers to take into account now. Also, commuters are used to jumping on and off trains quickly but if trains are filled with luggage from the airport passengers then that is going to delay things a little more.

“Another niggle is the 7.33am London Bridge train, which until now used to come into Brighton a little early at around 7.15am. It gave people time to get on board and settle down.

“However, it now has to make way for a Gatwick Express train, which leaves first. That means it does not come on to the platform until nearer the departure time, meaning there is a big scrum to get on board.

“If another platform could be used instead then it could make a difference.”

Ms Atlas believes that while individual issues such as these may seem insignificant, they all add up, causing an increase people’s anger and stress levels.

She said: “There has been a lot of anger about cutting back on the stops in East Croydon and Clapham Junction as a result of the changes and the possible overcrowding of trains.

“We will be going up and down trains and checking passenger numbers, seeing how many are having to stand and so on.

“If the new changes cause too many problems then I hope Southern would reconsider and bring in further timetable changes.

However, not all commuters are unhappy with the changes.

Ms Atlas said: “I have had one or two people tell me the changes have worked out in their favour but at the moment the majority of messages are negative.

“We are eager for people to join the group and help get their concerns across. With more members we are able to do more.”

To join Brighton Line Commuters, visit www.brighton linecommuters.co.uk.