a reply from ken

[billb]

i was bored so ranted off about the last train from london being at 12pm so how is anyone supposed to go out there who doesnt live there and this was reply:

4 April 2005
TfL Ref: 41882
Dear Mr Burles
Last trains from London
Thank you for your e-mail of 4 March to the Mayor. I have been asked to
reply on behalf of the Mayor.
I note what you say about the times of last trains from London to the
surrounding areas and, in fact, there are variations in the times from the
various National Rail terminals.
Transport for London (TfL) is keen to consider the case for extending the
operating hours of train services, but the need to access the network for
engineering and maintenance has made this difficult to pursue. In addition, at
present, the Mayor and TfL do not have any powers over National Rail
services, and we have to liaise with the Strategic Rail Authority and the Train
Operating Companies.
Following the Government’s Rail Review, we hope to gain greater powers
over National Rail services in London. We intend to keep the subject of later
train times under review. As you may know, we are consulting on the
provision of later Underground services on Friday and Saturday nights – see
our website for details - www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/initiativesprojects/
onehourlater/index.shtml. The ultimate aim will be to equate the
operating times of National Rail services with those on the Underground.
Thank you for writing to the Mayor to raise this issue.
Yours sincerely
David Marshall
TfL Customer Services


seeing as most trains dont run on sundays here surely that is ample time to mend them?!? ie theres too many soddin dpeartments and no-one can liase with anyone else..

[john_p]

I always thought a set period of time was needed each day for maintenance. So we could finish later, but then in the mornings it starts later and inconveniences people who need them early in the mornings.

It all comes down to the antiquated design unfortuntely - if there were more tracks on each line, I gather, it would be possible to close some for maintenance and keep others running (like in New York for example). However this is never going to happen with our Underground so we have to put up with them being closed each day..