But not the stations of the Catford loop or Chatham mainline, which networkers are also used on interchangeably. Capacity is not an issue at the moment, and likely not for the foreseeable future. There really is no need to spend goodness knows how much on a new fleet
Indeed. The 465/9s are so much better inside.
Agree there's no pressing desire right now. Though SE metro seems to be the runt of the litter, so if numbers do pick up sharply - and the many thousands of car-free homes continue to be built near stations - what's the odds the DfT are caught napping?
As for the 8-car lines, when new stock does get ordered it's wise to be 4 car units to ensure 8 and 12 cars for coming decades.
Looking at the overall picture, population growth doesn't look like it's going to slow. The supposed exodus last year now appears not to have happened. Even with reduced EU numbers the current govt still wants immigration and seeks it from Asia (Hong Kong etc) and Chinese students. A lot of that in London is focused in select areas. Southeast London is right at the top (see Lewisham for example) alongside Stratford (a number of improvements there) and Nine Elms (which has a new tube line). Crossrail only assists a small area around Woolwich. Little for Lewisham, Kidbrooke and others.
The homes are car-free, train is the best way to reach areas and developers are still laying out large bucks on central London office space.
What I expect will happen is govt will take a short term view and push for something on the cheap.
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
