On 14 Nov, 10:52, asdf wrote:
On Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:14:07 +0800, DW downunder wrote:
I wonder if an acceptable compromise would be to run the Circle as a "Lasso"
instead of a teacup?

In this mode, a train leaving Hammersmith runs via Edgeware Rd, Aldgate, HS
Ken, Edgeware Rd, Aldgate, HS Ken to terminate at Edgeware Rd. At Aldgate,
the trains terminating at Edgeware Rd change blind from "Circle" to
"Edgeware Rd".

In general, how does this sound as a "Plan B", Folks?

Something similar was trialled one weekend a while back (combining the
Circle and H&C into a service that runs Hammersmith - Edgware Road -
one loop of the Circle - Barking), and they decided it didn't work out
because the end-to-end running time was too long. (I never understood
why this was such a problem, as the current Circle end-to-end running
time is "infinite".)

I never understood that either, nor the lack of terminus, nor the lack
of depot. All spurious, but were they actually claimed by TfL or just
suggested in forums?

I guess that the limitations are the flat junctions (going nowhere)
and the current fleet sizes of appropriate length.

I am not convinced of the need for increased frequency to Hammersmith,
and wonder if it was just a consequence.

With the new stock and a chance to rearrange fleets (or maybe even
with current fleets), I think a better balance would be to

* keep Hammersmith frequency as it is, sending all round the teacup to
Edgware Road
* send Metropolitans to Barking (there being a better route to there
from Hammersmith)
* extend Wimbles to Aldgate

That could leave all frequencies pretty much as they are, but with
neat termini for everything and all interchanges retained.

If really necessary for serving Westworld, stick in a Hammersmith to
Edgware Road shuttle as well.