Direct loop trains from Mottingham and New Eltham stations to the Elizabeth Line return next week (from Monday 16th December), after more than 2,500 people signed local Conservatives' campaign to 'Save The Loop'.
The loop trains were axed by Southeastern without warning in 2022, in a move that was widely condemned. Leader of Greenwich Conservatives Councillor Matt Hartley organised the Save The Loop petition, supported by more than 2,500 residents, and lobbied Southeastern executives over the course of 18 months to restore the loop, alongside neighbouring MPs Louie French and Sir Bob Neil. The return of peak hour loop trains was confirmed in April and has been incorporated in the new timetable which runs from w/c 16th December onwards.
From next week, 12 loop or 'rounder' services will run from stations on the Sidcup Line to the Woolwich Line in the morning peak (and back again in the evening peak), meaning that travelling to work via the Elizabeth Line at Abbey Wood becomes a viable commuting option for the south of the borough once again.
Direct loop trains will leave Mottingham station at 06:36, 07:01, 07:31, 07:59, 08:29, 08:59 and New Eltham three minutes later (06:39, 07:04, 07:34, 08:02, 08:32, 09:02), with return services in the evening.
Councillor Matt Hartley, Conservative councillor for Mottingham, Coldharbour and New Eltham ward, said: "This has been a long time coming and I'm delighted that this vital north-south transport link - one of the few north-south connections our ward has - has been restored. I'd like to thank the 2,500 residents across New Eltham, Coldharbour, Mottingham and beyond who signed my Save The Loop petition - being able to show the strength of local feeling on this really helped persuade Southeastern bosses to fix this error.
"Along with my fellow Conservative councillors in the south of the borough, I will continue to make the case for more frequent, more regular services both direct into London and via the loop - and for the other public transport improvements we need like the X161 bus route that we have proposed.”
