Why Piccadilly line trains don't stop during the day at Turnham Green?
Answers:
Originally there were only two tracks between Acton Town and Earls Court junction which were shared by the District and Piccadilly Lines.
The decision was taken to double the tracks to four so that the Piccadilly Line trains could run non-stop over this section, there being no intermediate platforms for these tracks. But, the topography at Turnham Green meant that there was a platform alongside the Piccadilly Line tracks.
For most times of the day, the level of service on the District Line is such that it can cater for the passenger level at Turnham Green. Some years ago, as a cost-cutting exercise, the evening frequency on the District Line was reduced and trains on the Piccadilly Line stopped instead.
To stop every Piccadilly Line train at Turnham Green would probably take an additional three minutes (giving the need to de-accelerate and re-accelerate) on the schedule, which, at peak times, could well cost an additional train set. If only some trains are stopped there, the following train will be delayed, given the frequency on this line and disturb the even-ness of the frequency through central London
You know I always wondered that. You have to catch the district train and change at Hammersmith. It was okay when I worked at Piccadilly because it was early and they stopped
If you look at a map of the Underground, you'll see that the Picc line is meant to run non-stop between Hammersmith and Acton Town to give it a time advantage over the District Line which calls at all stations.
Over the last few years however, traffic has increased so much in the early mornings and late evenings that it makes more sense to have the PIcc line stop at Turnham Green at certain times of the day simply to "help out" that section of the District rather than run more Districts, which really isn't feasible at a time when trains are being gradually being put into or taken out of service (over night of course).
I wish I knew, they don't stop at Stamford Brook or Ravenscourt Park either do they? I did wonder if it was to make the line to Heathrow quicker, but I recall that they never did stop there even before the Heathrow extension went through. The Piccadilly originally did not go that far out, then was extended several times and took over the Hounslow Branch from the District in 1960s.
It may be something to do with timetabling on the District. It is notoriously difficult to set that one because it relies on the Circle being on time, which in turn relies on the Metropolitan timetable, and of course, that impacts on the Piccadilly on the Uxbridge branch. So I think timetabling might be the reason. It could also be a hangover from when London Underground ran Express trains on some services.
A good place to check is the London Transport Museum site http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/
or this bloke
http://www.trainweb.org/districtdave/.
and of course
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/piccadilly_.
Sorry to any non-Londoners who feel left out, but these things do get important when you use the Tube!
I think it is because the piccadilly line is seen as an express line outside London.
But Turnham Green is the main station for Chiswick, so I think it should stop there.
But I live in Gunnersbury so I'm biased.
Ahhh they just want to be faster than the district line. Good thing really, because I can get to school quicker. Oh by the way, I thought they did stop at Turnham Green in the early morning and late evening?
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