Should the Central Line (London Underground) be extended from Epping to Harlow?

Answer 1

The Central Line is the wrong line to choose. Because it is a tube line, the trains that it uses are a different shape to normal surface trains.

When the Epping to Ongar branch was operational, there were severe difficulties with providing power to the line. As a consequence, it was only possible to operate one three-car set at a time on full power. (When, in the peaks, two formations were in use, neither could operate at full speed!)

There are no sizeable communities between Epping and Harlow to sustain such a development (another problem shared with the former Ongar branch) and so any traffic generated can only abstract from the line into Harlow Town station.

So the idea is economically flawed from the start.

Answer 2

As a rail worker i should be saying no, but as a way of enhancing the publics chances of getting into London I'm all for it.

If there's a problem on the line from Harlow to London you're basically stuffed. There's no decent bus service, and if people know about the trains being up the creek the roads get gridlocked extremely quickly.

So, for me, and taking into consideration that the Ongar section of the Central line finished over 10 yrs ago, I think it would be a great idea but I won't hold my breath.

Answer 3

That sounds like a good idea.

Not much chance of that getting off the ground then!

Haven't London Transport been trying to close the Epping/Ongar lines for some time already?

I guess it all gets a bit involved with politics as well because once you go past Woodford Green you are effectively outside the Greater London area, so there's no money or kudos in it for the Mayor of London.

Answer 4

No. Harlow already has a frequent train service. Its on the
London Liverpool Street to Cambridge Line and the trains are much faster than the Underground would be.