Thameslink 2000 gets go ahead - if someone is willing to pay for it!

[Mojo]

A "landmark" decision has been reached on a £3.5bn congestion-beating rail project for London, rail bosses said.

Network Rail (NR) has received planning permission and legal powers for the long-delayed Thameslink 2012 service.

However, funding for the scheme still requires government approval before work can begin.

Thameslink will double capacity and increase from 51 to 172 the number of stations used by north-south services through central London.

Overdue step

NR chief executive John Armitt described the decision as a landmark.

"We are now one step closer to getting the green light for an essential congestion-beating rail project on one of the busiest parts of our network," he said.

The project will take an estimated seven years to build and passengers should begin to see the benefits within the first three years.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of rail customer watchdog Passenger Focus, said the announcement was a "much-needed and long-overdue step".

He said: "Overcrowding is already a big issue during the peak on these routes, with only 42% of commuters on these routes telling us they are satisfied with the room to sit and stand."

There will be major improvements to London Bridge, Blackfriars and Farringdon stations, including platform extensions to cater for longer trains.

Peak-time trains will increase from eight an hour to as many as 24, using 12-carriage services rather than the present eight.

A Department for Transport spokesman said a decision on Thameslink funding would be announced by next summer at the latest.

Formerly called Thameslink 2000, the project is part of the First Capital Connect franchise which is run by British rail and bus operator FirstGroup Plc.

http://*******.com/yz66p8

 

[clagmonster]

Although this will presumably see the closure of Moorgate (widened lines). Saying that, I feel the gain would outweigh this, as a relatively easy interchange is available onto the LUL.
Don't know about FCC being rin by BR though!

 

[Mojo]

Don't know about FCC being rin by BR though!

It's not saying that, but it was badly phrased. It's trying to say

Formerly called Thameslink 2000, the project is part of the First Capital Connect franchise which is run by British (rail and bus) operator FirstGroup Plc.

 

[Max]

Wow those plans look impressive, and would certainly vastly improve cross-London links. However, the Blackfriars extension across the river is certainly radical!

 

[TheSlash]

With a Tory government looming, i wouldn't get your hopes up

 

[compsci]

First Capital Connect don't have anything to do with this, other than getting the two halves of the business to work together in preparation.

Before any through services operate there will be a refranchise.