On Jul 28, 2:14*pm, MIG wrote:

New Cross ELL doesn't exist to serve a local population (given how
close New Cross Gate and other stations are). It exists to turn trains
around for operational reasons.

Not actually true. *There's a large flow of students to Goldsmiths,
for example, some of them finding cheap lodgings in places like
Hackney and Whitechapel.


My point is that New Cross Gate is so close anyway, it's not a unique
selling point of New Cross.

If I was heading to Goldsmiths or anywhere else in the vicinity, I'd
get on the first train and wouldn't care if it was New Cross or New
Cross Gate. What is the extra walking time? 6-7 minutes max?


As I understand it, New Cross ELL is essentially a third platform at
New Cross Gate, used for terminating/reversing trains - at least
that's how TfL see it.

However... if the thinking around the purpose of New Cross ELL could
be changed, then extending the line would open up all sorts of
possibilities.

The biggest obstacle would probably be capacity at New Cross if it
became a through service, requiring two dedicated ELL platforms. But
once this is overcome, an extension to Lewisham could mean that South
Eastern trains don't need to call at St. John's, so that could become
a dedicated ELL station.

Bollox. *Why should people at St Johns lose their service to central
London? *Leave St Johns alone and don't believe the stupid myths. *By
the way, nothing ever stops at Watford Junction because my regular
train doesn't.


St. Johns is (marginally) my nearest station, but I never use it to
get to central London. Lewisham is close by if I want to get to London
Bridge, Charing X or Cannon St etc. Elverson Road DLR is close by for
getting to Canary Wharf or Bank.

I don't agree that providing services to the same destination from
starting points all very close together, while leaving other
destinations almost unreachable is a good basis for a transport
policy.

If St. John's station took me to different places, I might actually
start using the station. As it is, it takes me to the same places I
could get to from Lewisham, but typically with a much longer wait,
hence my non-use.


Beyond Lewisham it could perhaps take over the Bromley North branch.
That would be a good little route. Currently getting from Lewisham
onto the southbound ELL is hugely inconvenenient. Through services
would mean one fewer change and much improved journey times.

But there would need to be paths and a suitable track arrangement (see
my other post).


Yeah, it's not gonna happen. So many other things will snaffle up the
funding.

BTN