Additional Class 345s, to enable a more frequent service to Old Oak Common

[ThameslinkUser]

TfL's June 2023 Commissioner's report states that TfL is working with the DfT on a strategic case for funding for procurement of additional 345s due to the delay to HS2's Euston leg.

The works at Old Oak Common are not
affected by the Euston design pause and
we continue to work with HS2 on the
design development of the new surface
intermodal area. In particular we have
reinforced the need for our requirements
to be met for buses, cycling and the new
Elizabeth line station.

Given the likelihood of a prolonged period with Old Oak Common being a temporary terminus for HS2 services, colleagues and DfT officers are working closely together on this issue and have endorsed the strategic case to procure additional class 345 Elizabeth line trains. This would give us the flexibility to increase service levels in future to optimise the delivery of HS2 and support UK manufacturing in Derby. We continue to work with DfT to confirm financial support. In addition, we want to ensure that all journeys are catered for by offering level boarding at Old Oak Common Elizabeth line station, which is not currently part of the station design. I am personally pushing the DfT for this commitment.

 

[southern442]

I guess that means they'd want to extend all the Paddington terminators to OOC?

 

[matt_world2004]

I guess that means they'd want to extend all the Paddington terminators to OOC?

That was always the plan iirc

 

[ijmad]

According to the June 2023 commissioners report, this doesn't seem to be about raising the frequency in the core at all, just extending services to OOC:

The currently planned Elizabeth line service levels are 12 trains per hour and to address the expected levels of demand, we would need to increase the number of trains, initially to 20 trains per hour with the flexibility to increase to 24 trains per hour. The station and rail systems are already designed to accommodate this increased service level, but we would need to procure four additional Class 345 Elizabeth line trains which would require confirmation of financial support from the department

 

[matt_world2004]

According to the June 2023 commissioners report, this doesn't seem to be about raising the frequency in the core at all, just extending services to OOC:

My understanding is that regardless of if Euston opened or not . OOC was always going to get 24 tph going into central

 

[AM9]

My understanding is that regardless of if Euston opened or not . OOC was always going to get 24 tph going into central

So in effect the Lizzie 'core' would be extended to OOC.

 

[Horizon22]

So in effect the Lizzie 'core' would be extended to OOC.

Effectively, yes.

 

[Roast Veg]

So in effect the Lizzie 'core' would be extended to OOC.

I think they refer to it as the COS, or Core Operating Section.

 

[paulravuslante]

I think they refer to it as the COS, or Core Operating Section.

Correct but central operating section

 

[Roast Veg]

Correct but central operating section

Thanks, I had in my head that they didn't use "core" but couldn't figure out why!

 

[AM9]

Thanks, I had in my head that they didn't use "core" but couldn't figure out why!

Maybe just wanting to be different to TL.

 

[stuving]

Three turnback sidings are being built at OOC, between the Relief Lines at the west end. See the PWI presentation here at London Reconnections.

 

[Roast Veg]

Maybe just wanting to be different to TL.

It did cross my mind when I heard it...