TheOneKEA wrote:

THC wrote:
As the Croxley Rail Link is not just about the good people of Watford
and Hertfordshire (despite what you think) TfL have committed to pay
about £19 million in contribution to reflect the wider social and
economic benefits of this scheme to Londoners. The quicker this scheme
is sanctioned the better. It is an excellent chance for radically
improving rail connectivity for the whole of north west London at an
affordable enough price.

The biggest advantage is the creation of a second link between the
metropolitan centres of Harrow and Watford via the Metropolitan Line -
the existing link via the DC lines, while undoubtedly adequate, doesn't
have the same capacity that the four-track Met Main does.

I disagree. As it is on the outer end of the line, capacity is
unimportant, because more will be provided than is used. This is about
connectivity - making Watford Junction and central Watford easier to get
to from a large area of NW London and S Buckinghamshire (not just
Harrow)

It would only enhance the business case were Chiltern to take interest
in this scheme - direct Aylesbury North - Watford Junction services
(via Watford North Curve) anyone?

Everybody keeps bringing this up, and yet so far no one knows if
Chiltern really is interested in this or not.

They're not.

Considering that northward links from Aylesbury to Bletchley, Milton
Keynes and Bedford seem unlikely to ever take place, strengthening the
town's existing links to the south could be very beneficial.

Not as beneficial as restoring the Northward links as far as MK! This is
because Aylesbury already has good links to London, and Watford's too
big a detour for those travelling to The North.

Besides, Aylesbury North to Watford Junction seems like a no-brainer of
a service to run anyway - it creates capacity on the outer stretches of
the Met without having to go into the city and it provides a fast link
from south Bucks to the WCML without requiring passengers to drive to
MKC or go all the way into Euston.

Creating capacity where it's not needed is a total waste of money.
Increasing connectivity is more useful, but Chiltern don't think the
demand is high enough for direct services from Aylesbury. Driving to MKC
(or alternatively HH and change at MKC) would be far quicker for WCML
passengers. Even the bus would be competitive with a Watford detour! It
would only be really useful for those travelling to Watford, and doesn't
offer such a significant advantage over changing trains at Moor Park.

--
Aidan Stanger
http://www.bettercrossrail.co.uk