Faversham railway station

Infobox UK station
name = Faversham


usage0405 = 1.356
usage0506 = 1.366
usage0607 = 1.461
manager = Southeastern
locale = Faversham
code = FAV
borough = Swale
start = 25 January 1858
platforms = 4

Faversham railway station is on the Chatham Main Line in north Kent, and serves the town of Faversham, 52 miles (84 km) from London Victoria. Train services are provided by Southeastern. Typical journey times for fastest services to London is 70 minutes, little difference from 100 years ago.

The station buildings were rebuilt in 1898 a fine example of South Eastern Railway architecture. They are listed Grade II, and have been well maintained by Network Rail in recent years. A brick engine shed (also listed Grade II) has, however, fallen into ruinous condition at the junction to the east of the station, mainly due to its inaccessibility. Sidings and other small buildings remain, some a legacy from pre-electrification days (1959) when Faversham Shed was of some importance. The spur line to Faversham Creek has now disappeared, although another small listed station building is to be restored and incorporated into a new housing development during 2007. The brick built signal box dates from 1959 when electrification was completed.

High Speed Rail Link and station improvements

Plans are now well under way to incorporate a new high speed service from Faversham into St Pancras International. Southeastern confirmed in January 2008 that two off-peak services per hour would commence from Faversham from December 2009. Not all necessary improvements required to facilitate this service will be completed by then, and a three year programme (completion by May 2011) will commence in early 2008. Improvements and alterations include extending the platforms, and reconfiguring the sidings. A complete resignalling programme from Faversham to Ramsgate is also proposed.

The new service remains controversial as there is concern existing services into London Victoria (a more popular route for commuters currently) will be reduced in favour of St. Pancras service. Because speed restrictions will apply between Faversham and the high-speed line at Ebbsfleet, overall journey times into central London (currently 70 minutes to Victoria) are projected to reduce by only 9 minutes, with differential pricing up to possibly 35% greater.

ervices

Typical off-peak services are:
*4tph to London Victoria via Chatham and Bromley South (2 semi-fast, 2 stopping trains)
*2tph to Dover Priory via Canterbury East
*2tph to Ramsgate via Margate

External links