Old Oak Common sense

Tony Chappell’s letter ( RAIL 863) is unfortunately symptomatic of the muddled thinking that gives rise to the suggestion that an HS2 terminus at Old Oak Common is preferable to one at Euston.

Firstly, many journeys to Euston will be to destinations within Zone 1. A Zone 1 terminus gives passengers the option to walk or cycle to their destination. A terminus at Old Oak Common (OOC) makes this impossible.

Secondly, Euston has significantly improved connections to all compass points: North West (Metropolitan, Watford DC lines); North (Northern Line); North East (Victoria Line, Crossrail 2); East (Hammersmith & City); South East (the proposed Docklands Light Railway extension from Bank); South (Northern Line); South West (Crossrail 2); and West (Hammersmith & City). OOC has branches of the London Overground to Clapham Junction and Richmond via inner North London, plus Crossrail to outer West London and Zone 1.

Therefore, most passengers will need to change twice to access HS2 at OOC (once onto Crossrail/ Overground, then again onto HS2), rather than travelling direct to Euston.

Thirdly, what benefit does terminating at Old Oak Common generate? A terminus that is in dire need of redevelopment can be spared a little extra cash, and a well-heeled London borough doesn’t have to live with the knowledge of a tunnel running under its feet.

Finally, it is too late. Site clearance work is already happening adjacent to Euston station to allow work to commence next year.

If money really does need to be saved, far better to axe the white elephant that Old Oak Common will be (as we’ve seen at Stratford International), and focus on delivering the Euston upgrade on programme and on budget.

Less Old Oak, more Common Sense please! James Wood, Ealing