Thanet Parkway station will be permanently staffed, seven days a week, from next month.
The £44million station was initially not allocated to have staff, causing county councillors to raise concerns over safety amid Parkway’s isolated location.
When the station opened on July 31 last year Southeastern pledged to staff it for the next six weeks on weekdays between 8am and 4pm, adding that they were “ committed to keeping staffing of the station under review.”
That staffing arrangement was kept in place and Southeastern has now confirmed it will be extended to seven days a week.
A Southeastern spokesperson said: “The opening of Thanet Parkway is an important part of our goal to deliver a better, more reliable railway, and we are really pleased that customer numbers have been rising steadily over the last six months.
“The station has been staffed from Monday to Friday since the opening day, and following a recruitment drive, it will now be staffed 8am to 4pm seven days a week from Friday March 1st.
“Accessible toilet facilities will be available during this time.
“Thanet Parkway is a major investment for the local community, and to support it further we are also looking to add some extra services when our new timetable starts in June.”
County Councillor Barry Lewis, who has been vocal in his concerns about staffing, safety and facilities at the station, said: “I am delighted that Thanet Parkway (bosses) have seen sense after months of saying there railway station was safe without staff. This will negate ongoing problems with security that meant people were refusing to use the station.
“It is good to know they are now employing Safety Critical Staff.”
Thanet Parkway has two 250 metre platforms and offers services to St Pancras International via Ashford International and mainline connections to London terminals and across Kent and the Medway towns.
There are lifts and stairs to access the platforms, ticket vending machines, waiting shelters, acoustic barriers, parking for 293 vehicles, bus stops, pick-up and drop-off zones, electric charging points, hearing loops, cycle storage, CCTV, seating, landscaping works and passenger help points to provide remote assistance for those who need it.
Parking charges at the site are now in force
40 minutes free for drop off and pick up
Daily rate Mon-Fri = £5.10 (£3.90 on Sat)
Weekly season ticket = £22.00
Monthly season ticket = £78.00
