West London Business’ ‘Orbital Tube’ proposals have been given a new push, as it is confirmed that the Watford to Brighton service on the West London overground line is to be axed.
<pThe WLB proposed West London Orbital would connect together the many radial railway lines in west London, rather than providing for journeys mainly into and out of central London. WLB say the line would be complementary to Crossrail and would serve as a feeder to it.
Capita have done new feasibility work on the proposal, which would run between Brent Cross and Surbiton via Wembley, Ealing Broadway and Richmond.
The transit time from Brent Cross to Surbiton would be 28 minutes, with a maximum train speed of 80km/h. No station on the route would be more than 15 minutes from the interchange with Crossrail at Ealing Broadway. The 25km line would link together 20 different radial rail or tube lines.
Public sector funding would be needed to cover the expected £1.75 billion cost. WLB are calling on Transport for London to conduct their own study into the project.
Watford to Brighton service to go
It has been confirmed that Southern Railway’s Watford to Brighton line will definitely close in December, despite opposition from commuters and councils.
Travellers will still be able to make journeys from Wembley Central station to destinations on the route, but will have to change at East Croydon.
Councillor Valerie Brown (Liberal Democrat) led the campaign in Brent opposing the closure of the line. She said: "At least Southern Railways has tried to listen by retaining the service to East Croydon.
"However, as the peak hour services will still terminate at Clapham Junction, and Wembley is only served by peak hour trains, this is still bad news for local people and people who want to get to the stadium from Gatwick Airport."
