Dave Arquati wrote in message ...
The 2002 'London - Ipswich Multi-Modal Study' (LOIS) for the Department for
Transport identified a new Stratford-Chelmsford route as a possible future
rail development. This might take over the Stratford-Epping part of the
central line and the disused bit to Ongar. There could also be a new line
from Epping to Stanstead via Harlow.
(snip)

One plan for Crossrail 2 was to send it to Epping, taking over the
Central Line from Leytonstone to Epping via Woodford. Given the
will-power, a new alignment could be found from Epping to Harlow (either
a longer route to the west of Harlow which could serve southwest Harlow
as well as the existing stations to the north, or a more direct route
along the M11 route) with trains continuing to Stansted. Probably more
expensive than just running Crossrail 2 trains directly up the WA line
from Hackney or Stratford though!

Has anyone thought this through? Why would a passenger from Stansted if
given the choice of a direct stansted express or a train that stops at 20
odd stations going via epping, choose the latter to get to london? Unless
they add 2 new tracks they won't be able to run an express service so it'll
just be a pottering commuter train and moreover it'll mean that people who
live on the eastern part of the central line won't be able to get a tube to
london without changing. So it would probably **** off a lot more people than
it would please.

B2003