No, exactly the opposite, the New Cross branch allows the ELL to run an extra 4tph between Surrey Quays and Dalston Junction, which allows tube frequencies on that core part of the line, which is still owned by TfL.

We're lucky to have 8tph (until 10pm that is!), which I think was the same frequency on the Hammersmith and City line, until Circle services were added to that branch.

What we were sold is another National Rail line that doesn't exactly go to central London, despite the guff that LOROL have told us about Shoreditch High Street being 5 mins away from Liverpool Street.[/quote]