"Batman55" wrote

In 1967, apart from the through peak trains, about 6 each way to Charing
Cross (although it has always been a "City" branch), the
Orpington/Sevenoaks-CX trains went fast from Grove Park to Lon. Bridge,
with
the Bromleys filling in the intermediate stations. Now, with the DLR and
soon(ish) the ELL, a similar pattern should be re-introduced.

Peakwise, the advantage of the Bromley North trains was that passengers
from
Grove Park stood a fair chance of a seat even when the BY and SPk between
them had 3000 season ticket holders alone. These days, not much hope.

A regular service from Bromley North to Victoria, or even Cannon Street,
does not make much sense, in view of the need to cross from the Fast to Slow
lines, but a peak Bromley North to Charing Cross service would reduce the
distance a train has to run partly loaded, and still leave room for Grove
Park and Hither Green passengers. As there is a shortage of paths at
Lewisham, a Sidcup Line to Victoria service would make sense, as this would
not conflict with Bexleyheath Line to Cannon Street trains.

Peter