London’s Passenger watchdog has challenged today’s decision by London Underground to press ahead with its proposal to withdraw most Monday to Friday services from the Kensington Olympia branch of the District line.

Sharon Grant, Chair at London TravelWatch, said that “there are big question marks over this decision. Increasing capacity on the Wimbledon branch of the District Line is fine, but we are extremely concerned that withdrawing the Olympia service will result in increased overcrowding on the West London Line. The existing London Overground and Southern services on that route are already badly in need of relief.”

The watchdog has also expressed concerns that the withdrawal of this service will also significantly disadvantage people with reduced mobility.

“Those who cannot manage steps will find life tough as a result of this change. In future, passengers at Olympia would need to follow a lengthy route by road to reach the southbound Overground platform to reach the District Line, without needing to use steps. And at West Brompton (the alternative interchange point), the southbound District Line platform has no step-free access.”

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For more information, please contact the London TravelWatch press office on 020 7726 995.