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Post match problems at Charlton station
Comments
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Prior to the game, I noticed the Kent bound platform had barely cleared from one busy train before the next lot tipped out.
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.0 -
How would they know where you actually got off ? Or if you just tapped out but stayed on ?Cloudworm said:Why aren't oyster card readers actually on the trains?2 -
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.0
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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.charlton4ever said:
How would they know where you got off ? Or if you just tapped out but stayed on ?Cloudworm said:Why aren't oyster card readers actually on the trains?3 -
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.Pelling1993 said: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
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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’.It won’t be perfect but it will help.8 -
I don't blame the staff for making themselves scarce. They're any easy target for a pissed yob who's just seen his team lose.0
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Weirdly, I remember that Stoke special too, why ? Was it that unusual for a special to rock up to Charlton ?Airman Brown said:
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.MuttleyCAFC said: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.I assume the siding was sold and built on.0 -
Remember the game, lost 3-2, one of their goals was handball. Their man punched it into the net.sunbury-addick said:
Weirdly, I remember that Stoke special too, why ? Was it that unusual for a special to rock up to Charlton ?Airman Brown said:
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.MuttleyCAFC said: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.I assume the siding was sold and built on.0 -
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Airman Brown said:
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.MuttleyCAFC said: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.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.0 -
Happy to be corrected if wrong but I don't think the Angerstein Wharf siding is electrified so SE stock can't use itHex said: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.
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 London2 -
Definitely not electrified.rina said:
Happy to be corrected if wrong but I don't think the Angerstein Wharf siding is electrified so SE stock can't use itHex said: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.
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 LondonThis picture of the dog track suggests the original siding was east of Ransom Walk (then Road). I reckon Hickin Close was built on it.
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Charlton skinheads invaded the pitch.guinnessaddick said:
Remember the game, lost 3-2, one of their goals was handball. Their man punched it into the net.sunbury-addick said:
Weirdly, I remember that Stoke special too, why ? Was it that unusual for a special to rock up to Charlton ?Airman Brown said:
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.MuttleyCAFC said: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.I assume the siding was sold and built on.0 -
Must admit that since our usual pub closed, next to Woolwich Arsenal station, we’ve been getting the bus along rather than the train, but Charlton station does need a rethink.Hex said:
I did say “… our travel arrangements” but anyway, according to the tfl app, a single from Dartford to Charlton is 3.70 so 7.40 return. My Southeastern fare, having removed the railcard discount, is 7.35 so roughly the same.swords_alive said:
I had thought tfl fares, I.e. from zone 5 or 6, or across central London, to charlton was cheaper than a Southeastern ticket, as the Mayor subsidises fares for London residents, hence lose out financially by using a rail company app, and not tapping in and out.Hex said:
If we are talking about travelling to/from Charlton for matches then I disagree. Previously we used debit cards so have a few years of experience. Purchasing tickets with the Southeastern app is surprisingly quick. We then add them to Google Wallet (or whatever it’s called this week). We ‘scan’ in and out at Dartford but walk straight through at Charlton. Much more convenient for us and our travel arrangements.Nkillerandflash said:
Not if you use Oyster, your debit card or phone, which is the usual way of paying for travel these days.Hex said:
It’s just as easy to buy tickets online, then you don’t have to tap in or out at all at Charlton.Rothko said:You don’t need to touch in or out at Charlton, get a TfL on line account and you can tidy up the journey after the event and get refunded the differenceI did purchase a Network Rail card a while back, when it was on offer (£15 for the year) from the Trip app though. Just had a look and a return from Dartford to Charlton is just £4.80. That’s cheaper than Southeastern (£5.49) who add a booking fee.Usually get 1/3 off fares, so it can pay for itself very quickly even if you pay the full £30. And saves you the faff of tapping in/out.2 -
I think moving the football club to the o2 would help things.7
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If we were sponsored by Redbull our fans would be so hopped up on caffiene they could all run home too. I like it!CAFCTrev said:I think moving the football club to the o2 would help things.0 -
guinnessaddick said:
Remember the game, lost 3-2, one of their goals was handball. Their man punched it into the net.sunbury-addick said:
Weirdly, I remember that Stoke special too, why ? Was it that unusual for a special to rock up to Charlton ?Airman Brown said:
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.MuttleyCAFC said: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.I assume the siding was sold and built on.
Did we go one down in the first minute and two down not long after? Got it back to 2-2 then Garth Crooks went down theatrically to win them a penalty and the game.1 -
The useless pricks also got hacked a little while ago, meaning you couldn't even log in.cantersaddick said:
Can only do this 3 times a month btw.Rothko said:You don’t need to touch in or out at Charlton, get a TfL on line account and you can tidy up the journey after the event and get refunded the difference
That's 3 individual journeys. So not really a solution0 -
Particularly for evening gamesstoneroses19 said:
That doesn't help fans who need to reach London quickly for a further train home. Heading to the pub for a few more drinks isn't the answer for most people.Dave2l said:Unless you have to rush home. Safest outcome is probably have a few in the Rose of Denmark after a game.
Relax and walk slow to the pub. By the time you're done, the station will have reduced density of crowds.
That's certainly what I'll be doing.
Win/lose/draw I don't want to have to be in crowds at the station. It can be dangerous on occasions.4 -
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CAFCTrev said:I think moving the football club to the o2 would help things.
Would never have problems at East Croydon station before and after games
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as part of their planning for the new stadium Oxford will be funding new access gates at Oxford Parkway station along with ticket readers; improved signage, barriers and storage for those on non matchdays; waiting shelters and a new toilet block to serve 4,000 passengers on a matchday.
it is a slightly different situation to us in that they are aiming for 90% plus of fans to arrive by public transport but it gives an idea of what planning departments consider appropriate for a station serving a stadium6 -
A ridiculous bottleneck before the game caused by the lack of card readers. When my train (out of London) arrived the platform was still full with people trying to exit the platform, and queuing to tap out.1
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Also noticed they've closed the stairs on the Kent bound platform before a game now, no idea why. Was even more problematic on Saturday considering they were using the space for community events in support of the game as well which ended up causing even more queuing to get to the ground1
