"Dave" wrote in message
...
It depends on whether your referring to regional journeys (e.g. those
from, say, Peterborough/Cambridge/etc.) or 'InterCity' type journeys.

Cross-London regional journeys are difficult to make at present, so
Crossrail, TL2K and more effective use of the Willesden Junc-Clapham
route will help that - although the latter route probably suffers
because it avoids central London.

For InterCity-type journeys, then people may have the alternative of
using Virgin's Cross Country network of trains, instead of needing to
travel via London.

I was thinking of intercity journeys but not necessarily intercity trains.
A regional train from Peterborough or Cambridge, with limited stops, could
provide a more attractive alternative than going to Kings Cross, changing to
the Tube, then changing again at another London terminus.

Roger

AFAIK there is no Cross Country service from the east side of the country to
the south-east or even the south coast, except via Birmingham. And (re
Crossrail) there is no direct service from Essex/East Anglia to anywhere
south of Birmingham, except via London.