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Thameslink

Author Message
Sherwood
Joined 30-03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 18 October, 2006 - 05:06 pm:   

Can the rail experts tell me if this link refers to a possible future benefit for Forest Hill railusers, please?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6061960. stm
Theotherbrian
Joined 28-03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 18 October, 2006 - 06:20 pm:   

I'm no expert - just a grumpy old cynic. Judging by the previous record of all governments, rail investment is sometimes promised but usually fails to materialise. Before anyone quotes record sums being invested at the moment, very little of that goes into improving services and hardly any new infrastructure is planned. It goes into funding and subsidising the private companies involved- a redistribution of wealth but the wrong way. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link is an honourable exception, on time and on budget. However, let's not forget that this government has scrapped all the proposed tram schemes, the East-West rail link which would have relieved pressure on the A14 and M25 and has prevaricated on Crossrail for so long that its proposed opening date is after the Olympics has come and gone. The Thameslink referred to is the ghost of Thameslink 2000, which should have been completed by, yes, you guessed it, 2000. Failtrack was given millions of public money to fund preparatory works but that disappeared into dividend payments without any concrete benefit for rail users or the region as a whole, As far as I know, no work was carried out!
Soooo, as much as I would like to believe the story, look at the reference to it depending on receiving government money, pour a stiff drink and weep.
Domc
Joined 17-03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 18 October, 2006 - 07:48 pm:   

You forget to point out that one of the biggest stumbling blocks at present is the acceptance of the scheme when it comes to Borough market. The work around this area will be needed to deliver the southern part of the scheme and has come up against huge objections to date.
Forester
Joined 04-02-2006
Posted on Wednesday, 18 October, 2006 - 08:34 pm:   

Those greedy market traders. The ones I know there are all millionaires.
Mch
Joined 27-09-2006
Posted on Thursday, 19 October, 2006 - 09:07 am:   

I think that the traders at Borough Market came to a deal with Thameslink eventually and withdrew their objection (I think they get a bigger better market built as part of the project). As for potential benefits I'll try and check out some of the previous plans and see if FH and HOP were due for a platform upgrade.
As for funding for this project it's a lot of money but something may be possible similar to Crossrail where the funding is split between London Businesses, London Tranport funds and national funds.
Don't be a grumpy old cynic, be a happy chappy!
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
Posted on Thursday, 19 October, 2006 - 09:44 am:   

Forest Hill does not feature in TL2000 / TL20?? plans.

A lot of design work was carried out but by the time they had had the public enquiry, Railtrack was in major difficulties and ithe scheme didn't get much further.

But a "well done" to the good supporters of Borough Market for letting the interests of the few outweigh those of the many. God forbid that the transport needs of the whole of SE London, Kent and Sussex should outweigh the need to buy organic goats cheese.
Mch
Joined 27-09-2006
Posted on Thursday, 19 October, 2006 - 11:07 am:   

No plans in Thameslink 2000 for extending platforms at FH or HOP.


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