Passenger Journeys Double at £44m Station Once Dubbed ‘White Elephant’

The Thanet Parkway station near Ramsgate has seen a remarkable increase in passenger journeys, dispelling earlier skepticism about its viability. Once criticized as a potential ‘white elephant,’ the station’s performance has turned out to be a success story for Southeastern railways.

Impressive Growth in Passenger Numbers

Recent data from the Office for Road and Rail reveals that passenger journeys at Thanet Parkway more than doubled over a year. The figures show an increase from 57,238 journeys between March 2023 and March 2024 to 123,724 in the following period, marking a 116% rise.

A Costly Project

The station, launched in July 2023, was initially estimated to cost £11 million. However, the total cost ballooned to £44 million, sparking criticism from various quarters. Barry Lewis, a former Kent County Council member, labeled it an “expensive joke,” expressing concerns over its management and safety. He argued that the area already had sufficient railway stations and that the new one might not attract enough users to justify its existence.

Continued Doubts and Challenges

Despite lingering doubts about its long-term viability, particularly due to declining rail usage post-COVID, Southeastern has reported strong demand for the station. Even the introduction of parking charges in January 2024 did not significantly deter ridership.

Growth Across the Southeastern Network

Thanet Parkway is not the only station experiencing increased passenger numbers. Other stations in the Southeastern network are also seeing growth:

• Folkestone West: 43% increase to 678,666 passenger journeys in 2024/25
• Bekesbourne: Nearly 30% rise to 37,720 passenger journeys
• Dumpton Park: 41% increase to 45,098 passenger journeys

In contrast, Ramsgate station recorded 1,375,656 journeys in the same period, reflecting a modest growth of 11.9%. This suggests some passengers may have shifted to Thanet Parkway.

Encouraging Future Trends

According to Alicia Andrews, Southeastern’s commercial director, the significant growth in passenger numbers across the network is optimistic. She emphasized that the success of Thanet Parkway showcases the impact of their investments in infrastructure, including new trains and upgraded stations.

Andrews reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the railway experience for all types of travelers—commuters, students, and leisure travelers. As part of this initiative, Southeastern plans to continue improving its services and facilities.