Editing Dartford Loop Line (section)

==Future plans==
The line was due to be served by Thameslink trains following the completion of the first phase of the [[Thameslink Programme]]. The 2008 Network Rail Route Utilisation Strategy, however, made clear that consideration of running Thameslink trains to Dartford by any route had been abandoned due to timetabling and pathing difficulties.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/rus%20documents/route%20utilisation%20strategies/south%20london/south%20london%20rus.pdf| title=South London Route Utilisation Strategy| date=March 2008| author=Network Rail| access-date=9 October 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119025209/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/rus%20documents/route%20utilisation%20strategies/south%20london/south%20london%20rus.pdf| archive-date=19 January 2012| url-status=dead}}</ref>
Subsequently, however, Thameslink services between Luton and Rainham (Kent) were introduced running on the North Kent line between London Bridge and Dartford replacing the Charing Cross to Gillingham (Kent) services operated by Southeastern.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/govia-thameslink-railway/pressreleases/gtr-announces-biggest-ever-timetable-shake-up-in-major-advance-for-rail-expansion-2486429| title=GTR announces biggest ever timetable shake-up in major advance for rail expansion| date=April 2018| author=Nmynewsdesk.com| access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref>