The Anonymous Widower

Before Crossrail – Issues On The Reading Branch

The issues on the Western branch to Reading are broadly similar to those on the Shenfield Metro.

1. Disabled And Step Free Access

There are some good stations like Reading and Slough and some terrible ones like Hanwell.

One advantage in the West is that a lot of stations have plenty of space and are not cramped like say Manor Park.

2. Train Access

The platforms in the West are probably worse matches to the trains than those in the East.

But like the East, they seem to fairly straight.

3. Long Distance Trains

The Western branch has the same problem as the Shenfield Metro in that how does it interface in the best manner with the long distance trains.

But it does have the opportunity of connecting Heathrow to Wales and the West through Reading.

4. Buses And Onward Travel

These are probably worse than the East and might be more difficult to saolve as you’re often not talking to London or its boroughs.

I have a feeling that Transport for London may get all of the stations to use London’s very much proven system.

5. Freight

As in the East, there appeared to be a lot of freight on the line.

October 19, 2014 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Before Crossrail, Crossrail, Trains