London Banter - View Single Post

Paul Corfield · September 3rd 05, 08:06 AM posted to uk.transport.london

On 2 Sep 2005 07:53:38 -0700, wrote:

I seem to recall that the NLL originally ran all (mostly?) in a single
zone, and that the zonal boundaries were changed so that it wiggled
in-and-out of a pair of zones. Commuters were understandably upset, but
the explanation was that the operator would not get enough revenue
otherwise, so they had the choice between no service, or a service
through wiggly zones.

Or have I got it wrong again?

I think that you are referring to the fact the main northern section of
the NLL was originally in Zone 2. The extremities have always been in
Zones 3 or 4. Subsequent to privatisation both Hampstead Heath and
Willesden Junction were moved from being boundary Z2/3 stations to being
solely in Zone 3. This meant that former Z2 travelcard holders had to
have Z3 as well in order to travel over through the stations that
"moved". It remains to be seen if TfL will insist on them moving back
to the boundary once they get their hands on the Silverlink Metro
franchise. My own guess is that they will move it back because TfL will
probably be happy to take the revenue risk on the franchise and thus
there will be less commercial pressure from the franchisee. It will also
make fares, pre-pay and revenue inspection easier.
--
Paul C

Admits to working for London Underground!