On Fri, 8 Dec 2006 21:16:51 +0000, Edward Cowling London UK
wrote:

Transport for London seem intent on making every other vehicle on our
roads a half empty bendy bus. I believe it being on fire is optional :-)

Something of an exaggeration I feel.

But why don't they do some similar bribery to get more trains running on
the overground ? I come in from Palmers Green to Moorgate every morning
and there are huge gaps in the service.

It's about time the congestion charge bought us something better than
bus congestion !

I think the issue will lie somewhere between DfT and Network Rail. DfT
is more interested in screwing huge premiums out of franchise holders
than it is in getting more trains running or funding an expansion in
infrastructure. The lines out of Kings Cross and Moorgate are pretty
much full in the peaks due to the need to mesh fast, semi fast and local
trains on the tracks alongside GNER, Hull Trains and soon Grand Central.
Network Rail have no direct incentive to independently invest in
increasing capacity if the government will not fund the necessary access
charges for more trains via franchisees. I don't believe there is a
route utilisation study yet in place for the East Coast Main line either
so they haven't got a strategy available to do anything sensible.

TfL have limited rights with respect to main line rail and can offer to
fund extra services. However if there is no capacity available to run
them it is a somewhat academic exercise surely?

--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!