WCA Campaigns : Improving District Line Services

When Labour came to power in 1997, there was a promise of improving public transport for Londoners. The reality is different if you live in Wimbledon;

• Thameslink 2000 has been delayed with no sign of progress,
• The East London Line Extension is to terminate at Clapham Junction and will not be coming through to Wimbledon,
• The possibility of Tramlink extensions has been delayed,
• South West Trains platform extensions programme has been shelved, and
• it is likely that Waterloo International will close in two years time.

But it is the Tube that causes many of Wimbledon's commuters the most inconvenience and, in particular, the decline in service of the District Line following this Government's five year delay in introducing the PPP.

For regular users of the District Line delays, overcrowded trains, long waits at Earls Court, services cancelled halfway through the journey are the norm. Wimbledon suffers further as the shorter Edgware Road branch trains come down the Wimbledon section of the line (shorter because of restricted platform lengths on that route); the impact is overcrowding and increased waiting times. Wimbledon suffers because frequently the line controllers change the destination of the train mid journey causing frustration and confusion.

The District Line suffers from poor signalling and destination planning. All too often at Earls Court, three Richmond, three Ealing Broadway trains arrive before a Wimbledon service. In the rush hour this leaves the platforms at Earls Court overcrowded and, with its inadequate signalling and communications facilities, frequently chaotic.

Stephen Hammond said "London Underground management has made Wimbledon the poor relation of the the system. We are really are at the end of the line! I know only too well the daily frustrations and how poor the service has become. Wimbledon's commuters should not have to suffer all the overcrowding.

"Wimbledon wants improved frequency of trains from Wimbledon to central London and Edgware Road trains not exclusively used on the Wimbledon section. This would decrease the number of short formed trains and overcrowding. Shorter waiting times at Earls Court and journeys not interrupted mid journey, together with cleaner trains and safer stations."

Stephen has started the District Line Campaign to press for these demands If you would like to support the campaign email Stephen with your name, address and comments.

Stephen is raising the problems of Wimbledon's District Line with management of London Underground. Watch this space for their response! He will also be raising the problems with the Department of Transport and the Mayor. However Stephen needs your help; the more support the campaign has the more pressure he can put on the Labour Government and the Mayor. So don't delay and sign up today.