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City Thameslink
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Apart from the gradients, (which aren't a problem for the class 700s as they were for the 319s), the station is operationally better than Farringdon as it doesn't have any curvature on the platforms.
Just how often do you expect stations to be cosmetically updated?
Surreytraveller
On Moderation
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Its only 30 years old. Hope you don't venture down the line to Loughborough Junction or anywhere!
Tetchytyke
Veteran Member
What's unpleasant about it? It's clean and functional. It's not even that dated.
Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras (low level) cost more than a billion quid between them. No need for City TL; it's well above average. If money is to be spent on central London heavy rail underground stations, then it would, be better spent just up the road at Moorgate and/or Old St.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
It feels very dated to me, in the same way the Merseyrail underground stations did until the recent refurb. I think it needs a good clean, new lighting and new signage, that should do it.
Harbouring
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Or the elephant
Failed Unit
Established Member
To be honest the only thing used to think was city was a bit dark. Going through today it is much brighter (in terms of light) that I recall.
If there's a station on TL that needs work is Elephant & Castle (And Underground too tbh). I don't do this with other stations but I'd actively avoid that station, like going to Blackfriars and taking a District/Circle to Embankment and then change for the Bakerloo line from there, instead of changing at E&C for the Bakerloo.
City Thameslink could just use a bit of brighter lighting and updated designs on the signs. But I rarely wait there as because I go mostly southbound, I take the first TL to Blackfriars and wait there. Can't beat that view of Platform 1.
City Thameslink could just use a bit of brighter lighting and updated designs on the signs. But I rarely wait there as because I go mostly southbound, I take the first TL to Blackfriars and wait there. Can't beat that view of Platform 1.
theironroad
Established Member
I'd agree about lighting. I think that it would be a better environment if it was much brighter throughout its length. Maybe some vinyl wraps on the walls of dramatic mountain and coastal scenery (could be sponsored). Doesn't really need any major rebuilding, though I tend to use the ludgate circus end only.
swt_passenger
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I think it has a few decorative issues found elsewhere, (eg on the Moorgate branch), with some elements of the original colour scheme embedded in long life components, eg stove enamelled metal panels, with what looks like dated colours...
I think there has to be a better way of signing the two separate entrances - having sticky labels every few yards directing you to the Ludgate and Holborn ends looks a bit messy...
I think there has to be a better way of signing the two separate entrances - having sticky labels every few yards directing you to the Ludgate and Holborn ends looks a bit messy...
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
That is completely in keeping with the rathole of an area in which it is located.
highspeed990
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Looks very modern to me, anything built in the 90s is modern and probably will count as such for at least another 5-10 years.
Peter Mugridge
Veteran Member
I'm using City quite a bit these days while bashing 700s and I don't think there's anything wrong with it and the lighting level is perfectly comfortable as well.
urpert
Member
The impressive thing about City is that it was effectively ready for Thameslink “2000” in the early 90s. A rare example of planning for future demand.
It was ready for 'Thameslink Metro' before it was renamed Thameslink 2000.
StephenHunter
Established Member
Has the same problems as Liverpool Street 11-18 in that department I'd say.
As for the signage, especially to us who can spot these things, Helevetica-family fonts like Rail Alphabet haven't dated well.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
I think the signage (easily fixed with some decals) and the lighting (swap to LED) are the main issues, plus a good clean as it's decidedly grubby particularly the entrances. Maybe ten grand to sort it, subject to railway inflation? Hardly big money given how much gets made there.
Peter Mugridge
Veteran Member
Was that before 09.00 in the morning? That's when it opens on Saturdays.
bb21
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City Thameslink is just a bit dull, and could do with being brightened up a bit, possibly through the use of more effective lighting. There is nothing majorly wrong with it otherwise. It is functional, and even have free WiFi available, resolving the issue of poor phone signal reception.
If money had to be spent, they could do with tarting up a few south London stations they serve. Most of them are a disgrace.
If money had to be spent, they could do with tarting up a few south London stations they serve. Most of them are a disgrace.
I used to commute from City Thameslink for about 3 years. The station is a bit dingy & the platforms can get quite crowded (especially in periods of disruption). The one thing I noticed was that when a member of staff tried to manually announce something the sound system always cut out!
Could do with a deep clean & a couple of new shops in the foyer. It's not that bad to be honest; a lot better than some other stations in London.
Could do with a deep clean & a couple of new shops in the foyer. It's not that bad to be honest; a lot better than some other stations in London.
Given the closeness of both Farringdon and Blackfriars I'd consider closing the station and replacing the platforms with passing loops to store defective trains. The 'Core' is crying out for contingency space and this could be it. A couple of sensibly placed switches and you could even turn trains around. Just a thought.
The lighting at City seems darker onboard then when on the actual platform. The station as a whole could do with some colour and the entrances/booking hall could do with a little spruce up. Artwork or coloured lighting on the platforms would be nice and would be quite cheap to do.
As for Elephant, the corridors have been made nicer, but the platforms are bad. Hopefully, with the shopping centre being bulldozed and the proposed Bakerloo extension, the entrances will improve. Loughborough Junction isn't very nice and the Northern City (apart from the NSE signage) is a disgrace.
As for Elephant, the corridors have been made nicer, but the platforms are bad. Hopefully, with the shopping centre being bulldozed and the proposed Bakerloo extension, the entrances will improve. Loughborough Junction isn't very nice and the Northern City (apart from the NSE signage) is a disgrace.
StephenHunter
Established Member
Isn't it the nearest stop to the Old Bailey? The briefs won't like that.
No, if I recollect, it was midday.
City gives good access onto Ludgate Hill, aiding dispersal via Fleet St (westwards) and past St. Paul's cathedral (eastways) as well as the significant office space around cheapside. Closure would effectively deaden access to these areas, so is a non-starter in my view.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Replacing the bulbs in (or removing completely) the uplighters would be a start. That only some work and they have different colour temperature bulbs in them looks really scruffy.
What's that going to cost, 200 quid for the lot maybe? Money well spent.
What's that going to cost, 200 quid for the lot maybe? Money well spent.
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