Sharon Grant, the Chair of London TravelWatch said that “the success of London Overground has meant that overcrowding has become a problem in some areas. We are delighted that our campaign for additional trains at the busiest times has succeeded – and we applaud today’s decision.”

 “However, the success of these services underlines the need for further investment in additional rolling stock and longer platforms at stations. In particular the electrification of the Barking – Gospel Oak line, would bring major improvements in journey times and opportunities for passengers as well as improved efficiency of the railway and to help regenerate the areas served by this line. We therefore urge the government, TfL and Network Rail to make an early decision to approve this important project.”

“We also welcome the fact that London Overground have responded to passenger requests through us to improve late evening and Sunday services on the West and North London Lines.”

Notes to editors:-

1.      Additional trains will run on the following lines and at these times:-

Gospel Oak to Barking – an additional 0759 Woodgrange Park to Upper Holloway (may not run on some days – see TfL press release)

East London Line – an additional 0819 and 0834 Surrey Quays to Dalston Junction – every day Monday to Friday, and on Sundays all New Cross – Dalston Junction trains will run through to Canonbury and Highbury & Islington

West London Line – an additional 2215 and 2245 Clapham Junction to Willesden Junction service every day Monday to Saturday, and 0832 Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction on Sundays.

North London Line – an additional 2225 and 2255 Stratford to Camden Road, every day Monday to Saturday, an extra 2206 Willesden Junction to Stratford (starts Clapham Junction 1945) on Sundays and an extra 2105 Stratford to Willesden Junction (continues to Clapham Junction) on Sundays,

2.      The Barking to Gospel Oak line is one of the few local lines within Greater London that can be only operated using diesel trains, but some parts of the route are electrified already. Consequently London Overground has to provide a small fleet of diesel trains (of only two coaches each) whereas otherwise they could have a uniform fleet of electric trains. Network Rail have in their recently published ‘Initial Industry Plan’ identified electrification of this route as a priority for the period between 2014 and 2019 because of the benefits to both passenger and freight services that would accrue from this investment.

3.      All London Overground electric trains are four coaches long. Most stations could potentially accommodate longer trains, however, some stations on the East London Line (north of New Cross Gate), West London Line (all stations) and certain stations on the North London and Barking – Gospel Oak lines would require platform extensions.

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