Circle Line - Why so slow?

Question

What is the reason for the circle line on the London Underground running so slowly and stopping n between stations so regularly?

Answer 1

That guy above me has pretty much wrapped it up, I was going to say that the tracks it runs on are the oldest in the network.

Answer 2

Take a look at a map of the Underground and you'll see that there are quite a few junctions where other lines converge and diverge with and from the Circle line. As at each of these junctions trains have to cross one line to reach another, unless absolutely EVERYTHING is running to time, then one train will have to wait for another because where possible, trains are kept "in turn" with each other according to the timetable. As the Circle line is, in effect, the visitor to the other lines on which it runs, those 'main' lines are usually given preference if there is a little late running, and the Circle will only be let through 'out of turn' if that would avoid a lengthier delay to develop.

Because of the vagaries of the Circle line, it is in any case given extended running times in order to give it some 'recovery' time in the event of late running. Other lines have a terminus where they can 'lay-over' whereas the Circle doesn't have this luxury, so even when everything is running perfectly, it has 'booked' standing times at Edgware Road and Aldgate - these being the only two points on the line where this is possible. Thus, if all is well, it gets held to time at these two points, and if any of the other lines is running late, the Circle either gets held or catches up with the train in front, and there's not much that can be done about it until they invent a train with wings.

Whew!!!!!

Answer 3

may be because it goes roung in a circle, the train tracks are not straight so the train needs to slow down very often.

Answer 4

because between king's cross and edgware rd it shares track

Answer 5

Shame what are you doing in the circle line. Why not try something else.

Answer 6

its one of the oldest and most dirtiest trains that u could ever have in london underground. tracks are always troublesome, the traffic is too much and commuters are too many.

the only good lines that i have noticed are:

Metropolitan, Jubilee(the BEST), piccadilly and the new District line Waterloo&city line, DLR and Northern line.

the rest are filthy enough:

Hammersmith&city, Bakerloo(the WORST), victoria and central line....most of them are good anyway....upgrades are always going on to these trains anyway , becoz there are people who feel like you as well, inclusing myself.

check out for important news on upgrades for these lines all times..ull soon enjoy Circle line...don't worry....u can go round in circles..

saying froma decade of the London underground's experience..

Answer 7

It shares track with other lines for all but 2 curves (Between Gloucester Road & High Street Kensington and between Aldgate and Tower Hill). It has to be slotted between the trains on the other lines.

Answer 8

they are all against you, and you alone. watch for it in other areas of our life, and you'll see it. i too get the circle line, and have no idea.