Is anybody aware of several changes to specific London Transport details? I have seen these in London papers over the last couple of days. First, the river boat service run by Thames Executive Charters between Putney Bridge and Blackfriars is to cease at Christmas amid concerns that the stoppage will become permanant. Second, the reopening of the Blackfriars Circle and District Line Underground station will be put back at least 2 more months beyond the long time it has already been closed. Third, it was announced today that from the first of the year passengers on Gatwick Express trains to and from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station in London will no longer be able to buy their tickets on the train. They will have to buy their tickets online or at the station in order to get through the new "smart ticket" gates being installed that will stop people getting on the platform without a ticket. Forewarned is forearmed.
Posted by
London
291 posts
Above changes seem comparatively trivial and wouldn't affect 99.9% of visitors I would have thought. Surely the biggest 'news' is that fares go up January 2nd/
Posted by
OP
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
Surely the biggest 'news' is that fares go up January 2nd but by less than planned
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
676 posts
And the Tube might be closed on 26 Dec because of a strike, tho that may have changed by now...
Posted by
OP
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
nope, the first of 4 days of strike by Underground Drivers is still expected to go forward on Boxing Day unless the Underground go around with wheelbarrows of cash to the Drivers' Union.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Nigel, Thanks for the updates. I tend to use the Gatwick Express on occasion, so will be sure to buy my ticket in the Terminal. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
It has just been announced that the Tube Drivers' strike for this Boxing Day (next Monday) will go ahead. There had been a High Court challenge to the strike but the injunction failed. Further days planned are: Monday 16 Jan Friday 3 Feb
Monday 13 Feb. There is also word that another union will attempt a general rail strike later in the year.