"Dave Arquati" wrote in message
...
Annabel Smyth wrote:

On Thu, 13 May 2004 at 22:00:43, Dave Arquati wrote:


- and 24-hour LU and train services (where maintenance is presumably
carried out by pixies)

Definitely dreaming.... but what I have always wondered is how does New
York manage to run a 24-hour service, or is this because they can often
re-route trains if they want to close a section of line (very muddling
for visitors!), which we can't do in London?

Because some New York lines have four tracks (for fast/slow trains) of
which one pair can be used for all services at night. So theoretically
engineering on Finchley Road - Wembley Park or Barons Court - Acton Town
needn't close the line (although I'm sure the HSE would disagree).

You'll find only the 4 track lines continue to run 7 days a week, 24 hours a
day. The lines with only 2 tracks are shut at times for engineering works
and bus replacement services are offered. Aren't the 4 track lines more
separated than LUL / NR in most places, thus not having the engineering
staff subject to be hit by moving trains?