Transport for London (TfL) announced on Wednesday the decision to axe weekday services of the Kensington (Olympia) branch of the District Line after locals voted favourably to the increased services. 80 per cent of the 18,000 residents and local businesses voted for the change and the new timetable will come into effect this December.
As a result, 5 more trains on the Wimbledon branch will be introduced during peak-time and is hoped to reduce delays and increase passenger capacity by up to 4000. The Olympia branch will still continue to run during the weekends and busy events at the Olympia Exhibition Centre.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Nick Botterill, was against the axe of the Olympia branch and said: “TfL’s current plans will lead to winners and losers in the borough and, while the Wimbledon branch improvements are welcome, we do not see why people and businesses around Olympia need to lose out. Olympia is a major visitor attraction and we are concerned about the impact TfL’s decision will have.
However, Mike Brown, from TfL, said: “There was an overwhelming response to the consultation and after taking into account all the responses we received, and in light of the benefits that the changes will deliver, we have decided to go ahead with the changes from December.”
“The Olympia service will continue to operate during the weekend and we will also operate a special weekday service during the busiest events at Olympia.”
London Overground and Southern Trains will continue to serve Kensington Olympia. Tube users can get off at at Barons Court, Hammersmith, Earl’s Court or High Street Kensington and can either walk or hop on local bus routes 9, 10, 27, 28, 328, 391, C1.
And if you like cycling, why not propose for a Boris Bike docking station to be set-up outside the station?
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Reaction to TFL’s Kensington Olympia Changes
| “ | “Residents mourn loss of train service as TfL axes Olympia District line” West London Today: http://t.co/GH1YFImJ But I’m still fighting! | |||
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| “ | TFL cut the tube service to Olympia?? I’ve been to some great shows at Olympia recently. Good venue, doing a great job! #makesnosense | |||
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| “ | What is the point in the district line going to Olympia? No one is ever on it….#transportforlondon | |||
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| “ | @fulhamrd that is such fab news – who knew that TFL would actually listen to passengers! | |||
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