SPACE
SHUTTLES
Additional services aim to ease crowding on the Mildmay line
Feeling the squeeze on parts of the Mildmay line is not a new issue for our customers. High passenger numbers, combined with its use by multiple train operators, including freight services, make it one of the busiest stretches of our network.
It’s created some operational challenges, which we’ve been trying to resolve for some time.
Colleagues at Shepherd’s Bush station on the western end of the line know only too well the impact of peak-time congestion.
Gateline assistant Naresh Tailor
Gateline assistant Naresh Tailor
“When it gets very busy, and the platforms become crowded, you have to work hard to ensure everyone is safe,” says gateline assistant Naresh Tailor. “The morning peak time is always busy and when there is a service disruption, that just adds to the congestion. When trains terminate here, it’s not only crowded, but customers can be frustrated too."
“We do our best to pass on information and to direct them to alternative routes. There are times when it gets so busy that we have to close the gates and not let anyone in until the platforms are cleared.”
In his 18 years at the station, Naresh has seen congestion steadily increase either side of the Covid lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.
With a huge office and entertainment complex being built at nearby Kensington Olympia, user numbers are expected to increase further next year.
Schemes such as train loading indicators, piloted at Shepherds Bush in 2023, have helped Naresh and his colleagues manage the busiest periods. But there’s another project coming down the line that should go further to alleviate some of the most serious congestion.
In his 18 years at the station, Naresh has seen congestion steadily increase either side of the Covid lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.
With a huge office and entertainment complex being built at nearby Kensington Olympia, user numbers are expected to increase further next year.
Schemes such as train loading indicators, piloted at Shepherds Bush in 2023, have helped Naresh and his colleagues manage the busiest periods.
But there’s another project coming down the line that should go further to alleviate some of the most serious congestion.
Increased demand
Additional shuttle trains are being introduced to the timetable between Clapham Junction and Shepherd’s Bush on weekday morning and evening peak times. There will be three round trips between Clapton Junction and Shepherd's Bush in the morning peak period and five in the evening.
“Travel on the Mildmay line at the peaks can be quite uncomfortable,” says Mark Walker, strategic planning manager. “These extra shuttles should relieve overcrowding, while also preparing ourselves for anticipated demand increases, as a result of new developments like Olympia.”
It’s a plan that was formed some years ago but was put on hold by the pandemic. The complex nature of the route, with multiple operators and stakeholders, also makes it a difficult project for Mark and his team in Planning and Diagramming to bring to life.
“It's a heavily utilised freight route and there are a lot of other passenger services on there as well,” says Mark. “It’s been a case of finding spaces where we can, to optimise service for customers, without adding to the risk of congestion or disruption."
“Then you need to factor in everything that goes into supporting the timetable – how many new trains are needed? How do we get them where they need to be at the right time? There's fleet maintenance to consider, and much more.
“It's like a giant puzzle. We worked closely with Network Rail, TfL and other operators to accommodate it.”
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