Caterham line

Caterham Line
Caterham Line
Overview
Status	Operational
Owner	Network Rail
Locale	Greater London; Surrey
Termini	London Bridge; London Victoria; Caterham;
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

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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

Train services on the line are operated by Southern, and run to London Bridge and London Victoria. During peak hours trains to London are faster, but combine (morning and also three afternoon workings) or divide (mostly evenings but also some morning services) at Purley, the other section being for the Tattenham Corner Line.

A typical off peak service from London Bridge calls at New Cross Gate, Brockley, Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Norwood Junction, East Croydon, South Croydon, Purley Oaks, Purley, Kenley, Whyteleafe, Whyteleafe South and Caterham.