Transport for London (TfL) has said that customers can expect increased frequency and capacity on the Overground network and buses. This is made possible because of improvements to a railway line and an ‘upgraded’ bus station in East London.
The changes are outlined in a report from TfL’s commissioner, Andy Lord, to the authority’s board. It was due to meet on Wednesday, (June 12).
Papers state: “We are making a series of improvements to the East London line on the London Overground (Highbury and Islington to New Cross/ Clapham Junction /Crystal Palace/ West Croydon ), enabling us to increase train frequencies and support growth and regeneration in the local area. These works are fully third-party funded. At Surrey Quays station, piling works on platform 2 are now complete and we have started installation of drainage and the platform super structure.
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“On platform 1, the installation of the platform super structure began over the Easter period, supporting signalling works also took place. Works remain on track to complete in early 2026.”
The report adds: “As part of the improvement programme, we have also upgraded Canada Water bus station to increase capacity and improve colleague and customer facilities. The bus station was closed on March 4, 2024, to enable construction works to complete. We have completed these works and reopened the bus station to the public in April.”
Timetable change coming up
It comes after the Mayor of London, and TfL’s Chair, Sadiq Khan, said that the authority is planning to change its Overground timetable later this year so that a ‘more even’ service can be provided during peak periods. This is in an effort to reduce crowd levels currently experienced on ‘heavily loaded’ trains.
The routes raised by Labour London Assembly Member, Joanne McCartney, are on the line between Enfield Town and Cheshunt, with a shuttle from the former to Seven Sisters – which also provides London Underground services – proposed. The mayor told the London Assembly in January: “Transport for London (TfL) is planning to amend the timetable in December 2024 to provide a more even service interval through Seven Sisters during peak periods.”
He added: “This will enable a more even spread of usage between each service, reducing the crowding level currently experienced on the most heavily loaded services.
“TfL believes this will be a sustainable solution but will keep the situation under review. This amendment cannot be made before December 2024 as it is dependent on other changes to the timetable on the affected routes that will not be implemented until that date.
“The provision of additional off-peak services between Enfield Town / Cheshunt and Liverpool Street remains an objective for TfL. Further work is required to determine how these can be included in the new timetable structure that will apply from December 2024.
“This will include consideration of platforming arrangements at Liverpool Street with our industry partners in accordance with the Network Code.”
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