Gospel Oak to Barking Overground Line further delayed
Dear Editor,
This week we have seen the news that the planned roll-out of electric trains on the Gospel Oak to Barking Overground Line has been delayed indefinitely, due to software issues experienced by the manufacturer, Bombardier.
This is yet another extremely disappointing setback for local commuters using the Barking to Gospel Oak Overground line, who for too long have been left to endure overcrowding and delays to services.
Whilst TfL have confirmed they are looking at modifying other London Overground trains for temporary use on the line, even if this is a viable solution it could take at least another month until they are up and running.
In the meantime, passengers should be given a clear indication on the level of disruption they should expect. I also fully agree with the Barking-Gospel Oak Rail User Group, with whom I have worked for years, that the option of compensation for regular passengers of the line should be kept firmly on the table.
At this week’s Mayor’s Question Time, I was pleased to hear the Mayor of London provide his reassurances that he has already spoken to Bombardier on this issue. In the meantime, I will continue to monitor the situation and speak up for local commuters who are unacceptably facing further disruption going into 2019.
Yours,
Jennette Arnold AM
London Assembly Member for the North East
(covering Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest)