DynamicSpirit
Established Member
Thameslink trains are typically scheduled to take about 15 minutes between London Bridge and St. Pancras. Even allowing for the rather indirect geographical route, I make the distance just under 7km. So that's an average speed of 15-16mph. There are 3 intermediate stops en route. This is all on track that has recently been completely upgraded. Much of it brand new track. And trains computer-controlled for part of the route. And all brand new trains.
The Northern line typically seems to be scheduled for about 10 minutes to go between those stations. With 4 intermediate stops, much busier and quite old trains, a MUCH more frequent service (so more scope for trains to be held up behind other trains) and with the entire route through Victorian era tunnels - and I'm guessing, pretty old track.
What gives?
Seems a shame. There's clearly a need to get people off the Northern Line because it's so crowded, while Thameslink core trains are generally pretty quiet off-peak. I've experimented with Thameslink for some journeys into central London but have generally reverted to the overcrowded tube because Thameslink just isn't competitive on time through the core.
The Northern line typically seems to be scheduled for about 10 minutes to go between those stations. With 4 intermediate stops, much busier and quite old trains, a MUCH more frequent service (so more scope for trains to be held up behind other trains) and with the entire route through Victorian era tunnels - and I'm guessing, pretty old track.
What gives?
Seems a shame. There's clearly a need to get people off the Northern Line because it's so crowded, while Thameslink core trains are generally pretty quiet off-peak. I've experimented with Thameslink for some journeys into central London but have generally reverted to the overcrowded tube because Thameslink just isn't competitive on time through the core.
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