LONDON'S RAILWAY NETWORK

The prospects for improving London's three railway systems, the London Underground, British Rail's Network South East and the Docklands Light Railway are considered. Statistics for the three systems are tabulated covering: a) route length, b) number of vehicles operating, c) number of journeys, d) annual mileage, e) average journey length, f) average journey speed, g) number of staff, and h) average fare. The Central London and East London Rail Studies published in 1989 recommended a major upgrading for the existing networks and projects to increase capacity. These projects included the Thameslink, Crossrail and Chelsea Hackney lines. Progress on each project is discussed. Other projects under construction or being planned which will improve London's rail network are briefly described. These include the Heathrow Express, the high speed rail link to the Channel Tunnnel, the East London line to Dalston and a light rail system for Croydon.