Thameslink

[streetquark]

Never would a train need both Hendon and Cricklewood really

Both these stations are a mile from Brent X, two miles from each other and nearly 2 miles respectively from Mill Hill and West Hampstead! The population in the area is very high.

While a trip service would mean both stations staying open it would reduce frequencies rather than offer the kind of service South Londoners want, i.e. Metro ones that people will actually use.

A metro service would be welcome.

Unfortunately only West Hampstead-Scratchwood M1 could easily be made Metro out of the MML.

Looking at google 6 tracks become 4 north of Colindeep Lane but the 2 extra tracks and new stations could easily be added up to Apex corner (Northway circus on the map) but getting 2 extra tracks past Mill Hill East station is more difficult unless you make it 2 side platforms or one island one and only have Metro's stopping there.

Space for Apex Corner station could just about be carved out of the trees to the west, ditto some places further north. A strategic project like this should get through planning if there are some green bits in the way. A Scratchwood station should be possible.

Elstree itself is a bit constrained and why bother making an extra tunnel south of it - just terminate at Scratchwood.


South of West Hampstead is where MML becomes 4 tracks through the Belsize tunnels so head off due south from West Hampstead.

Wimbleware would be my choice too, or possibly H&C, but with Wimbleware you can have high frequency trains going through South London. Ideally just a new SSR or tube line into South London or take over one of those many rail routes they have ().

[jimbo]

a blue crane has emerged at the side of the station, just where Lower Thames Street heads under Blackfriars Bridge. Cab in place, but no jib as yet, presume they'll erect it at the weekend.