Timetable folders

I remain of the opinion that the 43-or-so mini-timetable folders for Southern services are a waste of time and money. Passengers at Sutton, for example, require some four folders (including Thameslink) to see all their services.

My main criticism is that no train through Carshalton (my local station) is shown as going beyond Epsom, despite there now being considerably more direct services to Dorking and Horsham.

How surprised I was to pick up a copy of Southern temporary timetable folder 6 and Thameslink B. The linear format showing all trains Horsham-Dorking-EpsomSutton-Mitcham Junction to London and Sutton-all stations to West Croydon and on to London is just what is needed. It is passengerfriendly and reminds me of days many years ago when the timetables were extremely comprehensive and easy to read.

With the current timetable, a passenger can start at Horsham and see exactly where to change if necessary. And from my point of view, I now have full details of services to Dorking and Horsham - including arrival times, something which was not available in the mini-folders.

So, can I please ask that this format is retained in future publications? It could be in A5 size, or the generally accepted size such as used on South Eastern. Whatever happens, please do not revert to the former mini-timetable folders.

I believe that a reduction to a smaller number of area/line timetables would be more useful and less wasteful. It was certainly a retrograde step when the previous versions (including Metro, Brighton Main Line, Coastway East) were discontinued some years ago. John Parkin, Carshalton