Network Rail says no to more Ladywell trains

The 2010 London and the South East Rail Utilisation Strategy Consultation document is out!

Among the many highlights is a little passage about the possibility of increasing trains from Charing X to Ladywell and beyond. Basically, there isn't one.

They say:

There will be no spare capacity (following the Thameslink Programme) over the Ladywell–London Bridge–Charing Cross route. This option is therefore not operationally viable without additional tracks in this area and additional platforms in Central London... This option [also] misses out the key demand drivers of Haywards Heath, Gatwick Airport and East Croydon, so does not respond to the passenger demand based gap.

Conclusion: This option is not recommended due to high cost, disbenefits created, not solving the capacity problem and not serving the key demand drivers.

Merry Christmas, from everyone at Network Rail!