On 8 Sep 2006 13:36:22 -0700, "Harry G"
wrote:

I had a quick look at a notice at Walthamstow Central last week, which
stated that the tube station ticket office would be closed from Monday
11 September for x months. Seems the final stage of connecting the
subway from the bus station into the tube station is about to start.

Well the subway itself is all tiled as is the area leading up into the
bus station. Other fitting out is continuing there. However the most
difficult bit is about to start.

It was rather late and I didn't pay an awful lot of attention, but I
think it said the tube ticket office was going to be closed until next
Spring, and reopen with three ticket windows. From that it sounds like
the passageway will enter directly into and level with the landing at
the top of the escalators, with the ticket office being realigned along
the new passageway.

As the stairs are rather deep I think you are right that will it emerge
at ticket hall level. The office is going to be shut for a long while
and I think it will be chaotic for a fair time - still the agents will
do a roaring trade and earn lots of commission.

If it was three ticket windows (I may have read wrongly) it seems a
little strange, as I would have thought one or two windows plus several
Oyster-capable ticket machines would have been enough nowadays.

I have not seen the design but the existing window and gateline will
have to remain so that leaves only two to be added and I don't know if
those will be outside the paid area. Logically there will be two gate
arrays to look after and I wonder just how much space has been excavated
for a POM enclosure.

Perhaps however LU feel that they can get more business diverted from
the National Rail ticket offices upstairs, even if people aren't
actually going to use the Victoria line. What might it be worth in
revenue to them for selling (e.g.) a Travelcard compared to the revenue
they would get if bought from the NR office above?

When we first put the gates in - I was the project client - there was
massive pressure from the Vic Line management to get POMs and a big
ticket office. This was simply not feasible as there was no space
without underpinning the WAGN tracks and we didn't have the money.
Walthamstow is a remunerative station and was in the top 10 for WAGN -
not sure how it ranks for One as it's a much bigger franchise. If
ticket sales divert to the LU office then LU does not have to pay One
commission on sales and the revenue share on joint tickets varies
depending on who sells the ticket. This is why a transfer at somewhere
like Walthamstow is valuable.

However if sales move too much then the factors all get reassessed
anyway so it is a short term gain. The very limited Oyster renewal
facilities at such a busy station is a serious issue so if there are
more Oyster compatible machines that will be good for passengers.
However with the impending conversion of NR outlets to retail Oyster we
could end up with too much provision at Walthamstow - the people most
likely to cut back are One and that risks the loss of nationwide
ticketing from Walthamstow if we are not too careful.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!