Why not have the Northern Line as two separate lines?

Question

All Barnet trains via Bank, all Edgware trains via Charing Cross?

Then we would not have the constant delays due to points problems at Camden Town

Answer 1

This is not a new idea and it has been tried in the past.

But there were two main problems.

The first was the enforced change of trains. Passengers do not like changing trains un-necessarily and the replacement of their previous through trains by two distinct lines was perceived as un-necessary. It also led to platform and corridor congestion at the interchange stations, primarily Camden Town.

The second problem was that at weekends, the City branch needs a lower frequency of service than the West End branch. So, using your suggestion, you either reduced the service level on the Barnet branch or have an over provision of service via Bank.

Answer 2

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Answer 3

After the Camden Town derailment, once services started running again the Northern Line seemed to me to be operating better than at most times. Permanently splitting the line would certainly reduce maintenance costs at the Camden Town crossover in the long run and improve reliability. The crossover itself could still be retained for emergency use.

It might not prove to be so popular with some passengers who prefer direct trains to get to and from central London, often waiting twice as long as they need to in order to avoid changing trains. Also, Camden Town station might need more upgrades to improve platform and concourse space as more passengers would use it as an interchange. Without improvements, train dwell times could increase, possibly offsetting gains elsewhere.

Answer 4

That's a really good idea, then I'll go back to it as well.