THAMESLINK 2000: RAILTRACK'S PROJECT TO PROVIDE LONDON WITH A BETTER URBAN RAIL NETWORK

This article describes Thameslink 2000, Railtrack's ambitious project to increase capacity for train routes through Central London; it includes a map of existing and proposed routes. The existing Thameslink service between Bedford, north of London, and Brighton, south of London, began in 1988, and is already very successful. It will be extended to cover areas including Peterborough and Kings Lynn to the north of London, and Dartford, Ashford, Eastbourne, Littlehampton, Horsham, Sutton, and Guildford to the south. The number of Thameslink trains passing through Central London will increase from 8 to 24 per hour in each direction at peak times, and 18 trains per hour off-peak. The #580M project to extend Thameslink services is likely to begin in 2001, pending the results of a public inquiry. The first of the new train services are expected to run in 2006. The existing rail network will be extended to accommodate the new services, and the article lists the main engineering works that will be required. For example, a new station at London St Pancras will relieve the existing Thameslink station at Kings Cross, and provide easy access to London Underground, Midland Mainline, Great North Eastern (GNER), and Eurostar services. It also outlines the principal environmental issues of the work, and some local benefits.