Caterham line
This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (October 2013) |
Caterham line | |
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Overview | |
Status | Operational |
Owner | Network Rail |
Locale | Greater London Surrey |
Termini | |
Stations | Kenley, Whyteleafe, Whyteleafe South & Caterham |
Service | |
Type | Commuter rail, Suburban rail |
System | National Rail |
Operator(s) | Southern |
Rolling stock | Class 377 "Electrostar" Class 455 |
Ridership | 2006–07 = 1.657 million 2007–08 = 1.843 million 2008–09 = 1.808 million 2009–10 = 1.799 million 2010–11 = 1.857 million 2011–12 = 1.936 million |
History | |
Opened | 5 August 1856 |
Technical | |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
Caterham Line | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Caterham line runs between Purley in South London and Caterham in Surrey. The line operates as a commuter service to London.
History
The Caterham branch was opened as the Caterham Railway on 5 August 1856, from a junction with the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LB&SCR). The opening had been delayed because of a quarrel between the LB&SCR and the South Eastern Railway (SER), in whose territory the line was deemed to be. When the Caterham Railway went bankrupt in 1859, the SER took it over.
Infrastructure
The line is double-track and electrified at 750 V DC using third rail. Immediately south of the junction station at Purley the Tattenham Corner line leaves, and the railway follows the valley opposite Riddlesdown and the Oxted line, which it parallels almost to Caterham. The branch has a line speed of 60 mph.
Services
2 tph to London Bridge, calling at Caterham, Whyteleafe South, Whyteleafe, Kenley, Purley, Purley Oaks, South Croydon, East Croydon and London Bridge. This service divides/attaches at Purley, with the other portion continuing to the Tattenham Corner line. This service is operated by Class 377/6 or 7.
2 tph to London Bridge, calling at Caterham, Whyteleafe South, Whyteleafe, Kenley, Purley, East Croydon, Selhurst, Thornton Heath, Norbury, Streatham Common, Streatham, Tulse Hill, North Dulwich, East Dulwich, Peckham Rye, Queen's Road Peckham, South Bermondsey and London Bridge. This service is operated by a pair of Class 455s.
During the peak hours, the latter service is replaced by a train to/from London Victoria, which calls at all stations to East Croydon, then Clapham Junction and London Victoria. This service runs jointly to Tattenham Corner, and is operated by Class 377/6 or 7.
Oyster and contactless payment cards are valid for travel on the entire length of the route. The line from Purley to Caterham is located entirely within Travelcard Zone 6.
External links
Further reading
- Spence, Jeoffry (1986). The Caterham Railway. The Oakwood Press. ISBN 978-0-85361-325-1. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2007.
- Moody, G.T. (1979). Southern Electric 1909-1979. Ian Allan. ISBN 0-7110-0924-4.
- Glover, John (2001). Southern Electric. Ian Allan. ISBN 0-7110-2807-9.