First Capital Connect, Oakleigh Park

[Jintray]

Hi

I am thinking about moving to the Oakleigh Park area, but wonder what the trains are like getting in to London. First Capital Connect got some bad publicity recently for overcrowded and cancelled trains. What's it like getting a train at, say, 8-00 am ? Is it packed ? Do they run on time ?

John

 

[O L Leigh]

My brother and sister-in-law used to live in one of the flats overlooking Oakleigh Park station and used the trains into London. However, that was a few years ago when it was all still WAGN and not FCC. I don't believe they had any trouble getting onto the train, but I don't think they necessarily got seats every time. Beyond that I can't help.

O L Leigh

 

[313103]

The only thing i will say is that you intend to travel at around 08.00 in the peak time travel flow. I would suggest that it will be busy and as O L Leigh has stated you will more then likely not get a seat, however as FCC have got some of our 313s that may change. I suggest that you maybe go there say on different days at the time you wish to travel (providing you can of course) and get a feel for it yourself. Then you can make a good judgement call based on your experience..

 

[jon0844]

There are a number of semi-fast trains that start from WGC and call at Hatfield, Potters Bar, New Barnet, Oakleigh Park, possibly Alexandra Palace or New Southgate and then Finsbury Park and King's Cross.

These should be 6 or 8-car trains and if the latter, most likely first class is declassified (but don't tell everyone!). In other words, find the right services and you'll be just fine I think.

I sometimes get the 0818 or 0846 services from Hatfield (not sure what time they call at Oakleigh Park) and I can assure you that you could get a seat, or if you don't fancy that (some rolling stock is 3+2 seating and can get a little cramped), then there's loads of room to stand without being squashed up. Go earlier, and I'd imagine the trains are even emptier, given that you'll be arriving at King's Cross around 0820-0830 max, which is quite early for most people getting to work - even with an ongoing tube journey.

Failing that, you have the slow services to Moorgate that should be okay too.

To be honest, on the inner-suburban stations you're bound to be okay at pretty much anytime. It's the people coming from Cambridge and Peterborough that seem to suffer the most from overcrowding.

Obviously, if services are cancelled, short formed or they have to run an emergency timetable, then it's every man for himself! At least you have the option of getting a bus to Oakwood or High Barnet or Totteridge & Whetstone if it all goes pear shaped.

 

[Jintray]

Thanks all for the help

John

 

[tripleseis]

The Moorgate stoppers always seem to be packed on the way out when I've used it on going home in the evening peaks. But they generally empty out between Finsbury Park (as people change for faster services to Cambridge and Peterborough) and New Southgate, so I get a seat in the end. It's better than using the Northern Line around that time which is hot and stuffy and crowded.

 

[Failed Unit]

I think the main issues about FCC are on the Thameslink line, yes you may have to stand from Oakliegh Park but you will get on. I have use the train from New Barnet at that time of the morning recently, it had some seats scattered around and some people choose to stand. If you get one non-stop from New Southgate it won't get too uncomfortable as it is often the Alexander Palace onwards which pushes the trains over the edge.

Like all routes, all bets are off if disruption happens but thankfully that isn't too often.