System National Rail Locale Greater London
Surrey | Status Operational Operator Southern | |
 | ||
Type Commuter rail, Suburban rail Stations Kenley, Whyteleafe, Whyteleafe South & Caterham 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 Rolling stocks British Rail Class 377, British Rail Class 455 Terminis Caterham railway station, London Bridge station, London Victoria station | ||
Rail tours train caterham line
The Caterham Line runs between Purley in South London and Caterham in Surrey. The line operates as a commuter service to London.
Contents
Class 456 s at kenley caterham line
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.
Services are provided by a mixture of Class 455 and Class 377 EMUs.
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.