Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of changes in demand for services on the Maidstone East line into central London stations.

The Department monitors the performance of all train operators, including Southeastern, very closely and regular discussions take place covering all aspects of their services including levels of demand. Officials are working closely with Southeastern to understand changes in travel patterns and fluctuations in demand across all routes including services on the Maidstone East line.

Southeastern have two timetable changes a year, in line with the rest of the rail industry. Any changes made are kept under review and can be adjusted, where appropriate, to reflect fluctuations in demand. Southeastern will continue to listen and keep stakeholders informed of developments. The Department will continue engagement with industry to ensure passengers and taxpayers remain at the heart of changes implemented.