Stations see 'record' growth - rail operator

Rail operator Southeastern says it has seen "record growth" across its network, including at new stations, as well as established stations welcoming passengers back.

Data released by the Office for Rail and Road shows Thanet Parkway, which opened in July 2023, has quickly become Kent's fastest-growing station with entries and exits rising by 116% to over 123,000 customer journeys for the 2025/25 period.

The operator says passengers are using trains when travelling to the office and for leisure travel.

Southeastern's managing director, Steve White, said the company sold 146,220 tickets in the latest Rail Sale campaign, which saw prices reduced by up to 50%.

Other stations which saw significant growth according to the year-on-year data were Folkestone West, Dumpton Park and Maidstone East.

In the latest timetable change in December 2025, Southeastern introduced more services on a Saturday and in peak hours on the route between Maidstone East and London Charing Cross.

The opeator, which provides services in south-east London, Kent and East Sussex, added it was investing in infrastruvture at several stations, including Sevenoaks and West St Leonards, as well as upgrades to trains in its fleet.

Southeastern's commercial director, Alicia Andrews, said: "The strong growth we're seeing across the network is hugely encouraging.

"Thanet Parkway's extraordinary performance and the continued recovery at smaller stations illustrate the positive impact of our investment in new trains, updated stations and better services.

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