Thameslink Programme - As a passenger

[JamesM]

As a passenger who's looking at places to move to near London, I was aware of the Thameslink programme.

I've done some digging to try and work out where I might like to base myself more permanently... Forgive me if this is an obvious point, but it seems to me that all this extra capacity is actually going to come from passengers having to STAND for their journey? Actually, the number of seats increasing is pretty small, but the extra capacity to ram passengers in like cattle, will vastly increase? So no chance of being able to work on the laptop!?

Is this correct, or have I missed something?

 

[Searle]

At this moment in time, using FCC's Thameslink route, there will be no chance at all of being able to use your laptop's in the peak, you'd be lucky if you even get a seat really (unless you live where the train starts!). The route is due new trains soon (2017ish?), so I can't tell you what will happen then. I wouldn't hold any hope, it's a hellfully busy route (with a lot of disruption both North and South of the river affecting it)

 

[bronzeonion]

Sorry JamesM but I don't see how people still expect a seat on their commute into London from the suburbs! Standing is the future i'm afraid and personally I prefer it to being squashed between two people!

 

[Bald Rick]

There will be an increase in seats on some routes:

The peak semi fast services on the MML will see 12 car trains, which if you get on by Radlett means you will definitely get a seat.

The ECML will see more trains as well as longer trains, so quite an increase in seating capacity, particularly north of Potters Bar.

Some routes south of the river will also see more trains (Croydon corridor for example) so there will again be more seats. Where you would be able to get a seat from I don't know.

The new trains are generally 2+2 in standard, so there is no squeeze that you get in 3+2.

Having said that, even today you will get a seat from Harpenden northwards on most services bar a couple in the busiest part of the peak. Coming back you are guaranteed a seat from Blackfriars, and usually can get one on City TL. And if you have a first class ticket, you will get a seat + table, even from St Albans, 90% of the time.

 

[ert47]

For the most part, If you're living within the London zones on the Thameslink route, there wouldn't be much time to properly settle down and get to work on the laptop on the train unless you're held at red signals or coming from Caterham/Tattenham

 

[A-driver]

As a passenger who's looking at places to move to near London, I was aware of the Thameslink programme.



I've done some digging to try and work out where I might like to base myself more permanently... Forgive me if this is an obvious point, but it seems to me that all this extra capacity is actually going to come from passengers having to STAND for their journey? Actually, the number of seats increasing is pretty small, but the extra capacity to ram passengers in like cattle, will vastly increase? So no chance of being able to work on the laptop!?



Is this correct, or have I missed something?

Depends if you would consider the GN side and change at kings x to st pancras for the last bit for the next few years? The outer stations on the GN are quieter than TL with most passengers getting a seat north of Hitchin, lots of 12 cars and limited stop trains. Coming back can be busier in the evening although few outer FCC trains leave kings cross standing throughout, many actually have seats towards the front empty.

 

[JamesM]

I'm likely to be mainly travelling off peak - I used to live near Luton and remember rammed services on, say, Saturday night.

I'm looking at places like Harlington, Peterborough, St Neots - that sort of thing, so that's a good 40 minutes for laptop use! I don't mind a longer journey, as long as I am comfortable and can work, watch iPlayer, do some e mails etc...

 

[A-driver]

I'm likely to be mainly travelling off peak - I used to live near Luton and remember rammed services on, say, Saturday night.



I'm looking at places like Harlington, Peterborough, St Neots - that sort of thing, so that's a good 40 minutes for laptop use! I don't mind a longer journey, as long as I am comfortable and can work, watch iPlayer, do some e mails etc...

Can't speak for Luton and that side but certainly st Neots and Peterbourgh will get a seat most if the time. Some weekend and late night trains can get very busy, especially out of London, but normally you should be ok.

 

[W230]

I'm looking at places like Harlington, Peterborough, St Neots - that sort of thing, so that's a good 40 minutes for laptop use! I don't mind a longer journey, as long as I am comfortable and can work, watch iPlayer, do some e mails etc...

You'll get a seat at Harlington just fine!