The Anonymous Widower

The Overground Advantage

I think that the London Overground has a tremendous advantage over other rail lines that are being developed. Look at this picture of the new extended platform on Willesden Junction station.

An Extended Platform At Willesden Junction

The platform has been extended for the new five car trains which will start to run later this year. It would appear it has been a simple job, as there was nothing in the way of the extra platform.

Most of the developments in progress on the Overground, like the lengthening of platforms and the addition of shelters and small shops for coffee etc., seem to not require too much work, as most of the stations seem to have been built fairly well, with longer platforms, than are currently used. So some of the lost space is just being regained.

But also remember that many of these stations had been neglected for decades before they were incorporated into the Overground.

So they have the great advantage that any money spent shows a tremendous improvement.

It’s a bit like buying a wreck of a house, which looks so much better after you’ve cleaned out the previous owner’s junk and painted the front door.

So perhaps other lines in London and the wider UK could benefit from the sort of procedures that are being applied to the London Overground. In truth, I’ve come across quite a few stations across the UK, like Middlesbrough, Huyton, Bexhill, Wigan and Hartlepool, that have been made much more attractive for passengers without breaking the bank.

After all, if you have clean stations with good facilities and the trains have comfortable seats and they are clean and on time, you will probably go some way to increasing the number of passengers.

My worry about this lengthening of London Overground trains from four to five cars, together with longer and better stations, is going to be far too successful, in getting others to use the route.

At least though, the Class 378 trains can probably be lengthened again to six-car trains, by the simple process of sticking another carriage in the middle.

April 19, 2014 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | London Overground, Willesden Junction Station