Forum Topic

Barons Court platform closures and Turnham Green

I was planning to write to TfL to ask that consideration be given to extra Piccadilly line services at Turnham Green while platforms are closed over the next year at Barons Court. The rationale would be that the removal of one stop creates slack in the timetable to introduce another and delays and safety issues could arise if even more people are crossing the crowded platform at Hammersmith to switch with the District line. If any body can suggest other points to strengthen the argument or likely objections that TfL will put forward, that would be really helpful.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 2d7 Comments

For the avoidance of any doubt, Philippa, the works at Barons Court have nothing to do with providing step-free access; it's purely renovation work going on.That aside, one of the reasons providing step-free access at popular stations is an obvious one: high footfall = busy station = more benefit (for all). Your 'build it and they will come' methodology doesn't ordinarily work. Your argument would point to, for instance, making Roding Valley station fully step-free on the basis it would, all of a sudden, grow in popularity. It wouldn't. It's one of the quietest stations on the Tube network, and making it more accessible wouldn't change this. It's an extreme example, but it works. While you might disagree with how TfL decides which stations to invest (very heavily) in for step-free access, random it isn't. 

Mike Smith ● 11h

I find it odd that a heavy footfall at particular stations is considered such an important factor in the queue for accessibility work.  After all - the convenience and accessibility of a less popular station immediately increases as soon as it IS made more accessible and convenient which then increases footfall and popularity!

Philippa Bond ● 18h

If you're ever on a Tube train that passes through a closed station (or one where a particular platform is shut for any reason), it'll slow down, sometimes even stop (albeit briefly). This only happens at stations where a stopping service is normal. Added to this, you'll have workers carrying out renovations on the platforms (presenting untold H&S issues).The above doesn't apply to Turnham Green, as Picc line trains are only scheduled to stop there at particular times. Subsequently, trains can power through at full speed (to keep the timetable tight).  I don't buy your glass-half-empty suggestion that Hammersmith won't cope, especially now that the poster girl (Elizabeth line) railway is doing some heavy lifting when it comes to Heathrow traffic (TfL will undoubtedly suggest passengers use it if they suspect scrum-like issues at Hammersmith).While I admire your enthusiasm for wanting to have a stopping Picc line service, and I take no joy from picking holes in your solutions, I do think it's unlikely the BC renovations will bring any changes.

Mike Smith ● 1d

Thanks for your replies.On the speed limit through Barons Court - why is applied there and not through Turnham Green?Point taken on potential confusion but why does that matter? Very rarely over the years I have seen Piccadilly line trains open their doors at Turnham Green outside the schedule. Passengers both on and off the train are delighted but everybody views this as a bonus rather assuming it will happen all the time.The platform at Hammersmith is wide but is quite cluttered and has two staircases leading onto it which means it can mean entered a bit of scrum to change lines there. This is why many people, especially when it is busy, prefer to use Barons Court. With that option gone, the situation at Hammersmith will get worse.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1d

I'm confident we'll see the new trains next year given they're already on the line being tested. The signalling? When the Government sees fit to give TfL the cash to do it.

Mike Smith ● 2d

No chance of them ever stopping until the new signaling and trains are introduced around the year 2267.

Brian Green ● 2d

1. Trains won't be at running speed when passing through Barons Court (this is normal for temporary station closures), so there isn't going to the slack you suspect2. Only one platform will be closed at any one time (e/b first), and trying to replicate this at Turnham Green would be a) confusing for passengers and b) problematic for timetabling  3. Hammersmith has wide platforms, so will easily cope with any additional footfall (many use Hammersmith for their crossover anyway)

Mike Smith ● 2d