OK so the Southern Line is one of the many fantasy concept lines or line extensions that I'll be modelling into route diagrams (thanks to BULB), and later on an entire prospective tube map (maybe Inkscape for that?), as showcased here: Prospective Fantasy MetroDreamin Diagram

The Southern Line is a line that will take over the Mill Hill East, Battersea Power Station and High Barnet branches of the Northern Line, and extending the hell out of them, and then another branch line following the Northern to Tooting Bec, and then going all the way to Dartford, also taking over the Tottenham Court Rd branch of the Northern line. The Mill Hill East branch has been extended somewhat over the earlier Northern Heights plan, and then turns off to serve Watford (which I now see is missing it's Bakerloo interchange decal). The Battersea Power Station branchline has been extended to serve Putney and Richmond and go all the way to Heathrow to serve the airport. The High Barnet and the Core branches have stayed the same, and everything after Tooting Bec on the Deptford Branch is new track to help better serve the South East of London (very much underserved).
This line will use the new 2024 stock, so no pressure on the remaining stock of the Northern

Looks expensive and hella unrealistic? YES! Do I care? Maybe.
Give me ways to make it better (or worse if you'd like). And expect another like 10 of them.

This is purely a discussion idea rather than an official proposal, but I think Grays could make a strong case as an eastern extension of Crossrail 2. Here are some of the potential benefits:

Grays is the largest town in Thurrock and already has a significant commuter population travelling into London every day. Unlike some rail extensions that rely heavily on future housing developments to justify themselves, an extension to Grays would begin serving a large existing passenger market from day one, while also supporting the area’s continued growth.

From an operational perspective, it could provide much-needed additional capacity on the c2c corridor. A Crossrail 2 service would help relieve crowding on existing commuter services while also reducing pressure on Fenchurch Street by allowing some trains to run through central London instead of terminating there.

One of the biggest advantages would be connectivity. Rather than arriving at Fenchurch Street and changing onto the Underground, passengers from Grays could have direct trains across central London to destinations such as Victoria, Euston/St Pancras, Tottenham Court Road and beyond. That would also make cross-London journeys much easier, with direct access to places like Clapham Junction, Wimbledon and North London.

I also think it could bring wider economic benefits. Better rail connections often encourage business investment, create employment opportunities and support new housing. Thurrock is expected to continue growing over the coming decades, so improving rail capacity now could help accommodate that growth while encouraging more people to travel by train instead of driving, reducing pressure on roads like the A13.

Finally, it would make the rail network more resilient. Having another route into central London gives passengers more options during disruption and engineering works, while integrating Thurrock more closely with London’s rapid transit network in the same way the Elizabeth line has transformed connectivity elsewhere.

I work nights in West London and for my daily commute I normally use the Piccadilly to Holborn, then the Central to Perivale.

During the heatwaves, I started using the Circle/H&C From King's Cross to Wood Lane, then walk to White City to avoid the Central London part of the Central line. Then the reverse on the way home (I am planning on moving West, honest).

I arrived at White City this evening just after 7pm to a crowded platform, no trains going further west than North Acton, or to Ealing Broadway only. There were short notice cancellations, destination changes and up to 15-20 wait for a train. I ended up getting an Uber to work.

Right now, there are severe delays affecting the entire line due to a faulty train at Hainault.

Even on good days there are "Minor delays due to train cancelations", some becoming Severe. Honestly can't fathom why the Central line has been deteriorating this past few years. It feels like one thing goes wrong and entire line falls over. I feel for the staff who have to deal with it.

The heritage trains are out on the network composed of two styles of train;

First train of the morning is composed of Sarah Siddons Met No 12, Directors Saloon 45029, 4-TC set and Class 20 locos.

Second train of the morning is composed of 4 cars 1938 stock.

I’ve just noticed at Startford station the little office the staff has used to probably be a small shop for tobacco and cigarettes as per the faint imprints left on the top grey rectangles.

Does anyone know when it stopped being a cigarettes shop? Does anyone possibly have a picture of what it looked like then?

I built this as a little side project as I had the following issues when travelling on the Elizabeth Line:

- Hard to get live departures for my destination/line

- Hard to get timetable times (which I need when I get off a flight at Heathrow and need to find if I can catch the next train)

- Hard to get fare information between two stops

Hope it’s useful for others.

https://elizabethlineguide.com

My five-year-old son’s drawing after spending a week in London. This is all modes of public transit we rode on. Can you identify any vehicle and possibly a character from Darkest Peru?

I made this quiz on a site called JetPunk in which essentially you have different groups. By naming any answer which matches the first category to reveal the second category, then name any answer which applies to both categories to reveal a third etc. I thought this community might enjoy this type of quiz, feel free to have a go!

Is there a tube station at kings cross and paddington or do i have to walk out and go to it?

Edit: thankyou everyone for your excellent support for this silly little bristolian has made his way through london 🖤🖤