It took whoever it was an age to install new card readers at Abbey wood on the Elizabeth line platforms (left off the original plans I think), which may have been complicated by contractual issues. Someone will be along to clarify but I think extra readers may be the least likely solution.
Why aren't oyster card readers actually on the trains?
How would they know where you got off ? Or if you just tapped out but stayed on ?
A reader system operates on many tram / train services I have used on the continent, so can be done. Your point about tapping out and staying on is the same as anyone abusing the system. There is a threat of a conductor coming on and catching you out, but it’s relatively simple to enter most suburban stations now without having to go through a gate.
I've got the train after both homes games and it's absolutely fine. People are so impatient, just wait or go to the pub for 15/20 mins after full-time
I walk to Westcombe Park. Probably pick up the same train I'd have got if I queued at Charlton, but I prefer to be on the move rather than stood still. Have walked to IKEA and just jumped on a North Greenwich bound bus from there a few times too.
The problems at Charlton station are significant, particularly with big crowds / large contingents of away supporters travelling by train. The location of the card readers makes things worse with hordes of people blocking the entrance to the platform as they wait to touch in. I frequently miss my connection at London Bridge as a result.
The station staff and police are a waste of time. They do not communicate or move people along the platform, resulting in the platform looking crowded. So when a train approaches they simply shut the gates. The front carriages are virtually empty when the train departs.
Solutions are straightforward and relatively inexpensive. Re-siting existing card readers away from the gates with clear signs above would reduce the blockage at the gates. Pro-active, vocal staff can direct people to the end of the platform where there is plenty of space. If staff are incapable of speaking, maybe they could stand towards the end of the platform and hold up a sign saying ‘plenty of space here’.
I'm sure when I was a young supporter who used the train that there were football specials. Or did I dream it? I think I recall empty trains which went straight to London Bridge.
There used to be a siding east of the station which was built in the 1930s for exactly that purpose. Away teams also had specials to Charlton - I remember Stoke had one for the league cup game in 1978-ish.
I assume the siding was sold and built on.
Weirdly, I remember that Stoke special too, why ? Was it that unusual for a special to rock up to Charlton ?
I'm sure when I was a young supporter who used the train that there were football specials. Or did I dream it? I think I recall empty trains which went straight to London Bridge.
There used to be a siding east of the station which was built in the 1930s for exactly that purpose. Away teams also had specials to Charlton - I remember Stoke had one for the league cup game in 1978-ish.
I assume the siding was sold and built on.
Weirdly, I remember that Stoke special too, why ? Was it that unusual for a special to rock up to Charlton ?
Remember the game, lost 3-2, one of their goals was handball. Their man punched it into the net.
I'm sure when I was a young supporter who used the train that there were football specials. Or did I dream it? I think I recall empty trains which went straight to London Bridge.
There used to be a siding east of the station which was built in the 1930s for exactly that purpose. Away teams also had specials to Charlton - I remember Stoke had one for the league cup game in 1978-ish.
I assume the siding was sold and built on.
From the aerial view you can see the crossover still in place immedately to the east of the CCL bridge which suggests the siding was north of the main running lines. The land hasn't been built on but may have been planted with trees at road level.
Presumably if they wanted to hold a special train close to the station they could perhaps use the Angerstein siding just off the north side of the Blackheath line.
Presumably if they wanted to hold a special train close to the station they could perhaps use the Angerstein siding just off the north side of the Blackheath line.
Happy to be corrected if wrong but I don't think the Angerstein Wharf siding is electrified so SE stock can't use it The sidings at Plumstead could be a better option and also don't have the issue of the driver having to change ends to run a service into London
Presumably if they wanted to hold a special train close to the station they could perhaps use the Angerstein siding just off the north side of the Blackheath line.
Happy to be corrected if wrong but I don't think the Angerstein Wharf siding is electrified so SE stock can't use it The sidings at Plumstead could be a better option and also don't have the issue of the driver having to change ends to run a service into London
Definitely not electrified.
This picture of the dog track suggests the original siding was east of Ransom Walk (then Road). I reckon Hickin Close was built on it.
I'm sure when I was a young supporter who used the train that there were football specials. Or did I dream it? I think I recall empty trains which went straight to London Bridge.
There used to be a siding east of the station which was built in the 1930s for exactly that purpose. Away teams also had specials to Charlton - I remember Stoke had one for the league cup game in 1978-ish.
I assume the siding was sold and built on.
Weirdly, I remember that Stoke special too, why ? Was it that unusual for a special to rock up to Charlton ?
Remember the game, lost 3-2, one of their goals was handball. Their man punched it into the net.
Comments
At least a couple of extra card reader points are needed. Same goes for London bound platform.
Small plus was pre-match Kent bound platform did open an extra gate to allow pre-paids straight through but this was only used by a few people.
The station staff and police are a waste of time. They do not communicate or move people along the platform, resulting in the platform looking crowded. So when a train approaches they simply shut the gates. The front carriages are virtually empty when the train departs.
The sidings at Plumstead could be a better option and also don't have the issue of the driver having to change ends to run a service into London