On 31 May, 17:50, wrote:
But isn't the eventual plan that the suburban services will gain new 8
car trains, whilst the longer distance services will gain 12 car
trains. This will lead to a separation in the rolling stock at least.

Things we know:
- All trains via London Bridge will be 12 car, to maximize capacity
- All (or most) trains via Elephant will be 8 car, due to platform
lengths at the inner south London stations
- All trains stopping at Kentish Town or Cricklewood will need to be 8
car, due to platform lengths.
- All other inner (and outer) stations are being lengthened to 12 cars

I think the likely outcome is off-peak, the "metro" services are 8
cars and call all stops, but during the peaks many of the 12 car
trains make various calls at the inner MML stations (except KT and
CW).

The question is surely whether the service has to be completely
separate or whether the suburban section can be specified by TfL as a
signatory to the franchise, with a suitable arrangement of fare
allocations.

Exactly. Splitting the operations between separate companies doesn't
necessarily make much sense.

There are a few inner suburban trains that run to / from Letchworth
during the peaks.

Checking the new timetable, they now only do this during the off-
peaks. I thought they'd stopped doing ti completely.

U