Cross Platform Interchange at Stratford

Homeward passengers scurry to catch a train which awaits them on the other platform at Stratford station, London.This video clip also shows that (because the interchange is not guaranteed by the timetable) so in an effort to keep the mainline train running to time the train despatcher gets it away 'very sharply'. Not only was inconvenient (for the train operator) that the train had to be delayed for the passengers but since railway privatisation train operators have even risked a financial penalty for any delays to the service they cause - even if they are acting in the best interests of the travelling public!With the eastward extension of the Central line opening in 1947, this simple cross-platform interchange was purposely designed to make life easier for passengers.In the 1990's some "experts" suggested stifling this sort of free transfer between underground and mainline trains by splitting the platforms down the middle and forcing interchanging passengers to pass through a ticket barrier. This was suggested as it would help achieve a better 'fares take' from passengers using the different railway networks.It would have been interesting to see what they would have suggested for stations where differently owned trains share the same tracks and call at the same platforms. (eg: the Bakerloo, District and Metropolitan Lines).

Channel: Travel & Events
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: citytransportinfo

Length: 01:17
Rating: 4.67
Views: 11018

Tags: central  emu  integration  interchange  London  railway  stratford  train  transport  tube  underground  

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