Looking at the Carto.Metro map of London's railways ...
http://carto.metro.free.fr/cartes/metro-tram-london/index.php
... I am wondering what the reasoning is behind the location of turn-back sidings on the Underground. Some are at more significant stations like just south of Victoria, facing north, where you expect many southbound passengers to get off and have no need for such a frequent service beyond it. Marble Arch, Tooting Broadway, King's Cross (Victoria Line), Harrow-on-the-Hill, and White City are similar cases.
However there are ones at quieter locations; one that caught my eye is facing east just west of Down Street, which is so quiet that it is closed! Others in this category might be Northolt, Willesdon Green, and Archway.
There is a logic to turning back at a quieter station. As everyone must get off, it is not a good idea to add those people who wish to travel further to those who actually want that station if it is a very busy one anyway. The ones wish to travel further will not only slow the exit from the train, but will also remain on the platform, impeding the flow of others to the exits.
http://carto.metro.free.fr/cartes/metro-tram-london/index.php
... I am wondering what the reasoning is behind the location of turn-back sidings on the Underground. Some are at more significant stations like just south of Victoria, facing north, where you expect many southbound passengers to get off and have no need for such a frequent service beyond it. Marble Arch, Tooting Broadway, King's Cross (Victoria Line), Harrow-on-the-Hill, and White City are similar cases.
However there are ones at quieter locations; one that caught my eye is facing east just west of Down Street, which is so quiet that it is closed! Others in this category might be Northolt, Willesdon Green, and Archway.
There is a logic to turning back at a quieter station. As everyone must get off, it is not a good idea to add those people who wish to travel further to those who actually want that station if it is a very busy one anyway. The ones wish to travel further will not only slow the exit from the train, but will also remain on the platform, impeding the flow of others to the exits.