Mayor of Hackney welcomes new Overground timetable, despite recent delays
The Mayor of Hackney and Cabinet Member for Transport have welcomed the introduction of a new Overground timetable at Hackney Central, after Hackney Council analysis revealed “concerning” levels of delays and cancellations over a two week period in November.
During that period, Council data showed there were cancelled trains on the service almost every day, with 14 peak periods out of 20 affected by cancellations, making it harder for local people to get around.
Thirteen of the peak periods were affected by more than one cancellation, and on four occasions, four services were cancelled during any one peak time.
This most recent analysis follows demands in the summer from Hackney and Tower Hamlets mayors and MPs that Overground services improve.
When asked to explain the most recent delays and cancellations, operator Arriva Rail cited a number of reasons, including power supply issues, problems with trains, and ‘unexpected passenger loads’ on one day. On most of the occasions where trains missed stations in Hackney or were cancelled entirely, this was attributed to trains already running late.
The new timetable at Hackney Central will see ten trains an hour run on the line, which it is hoped will meet growing customer demand.
While we welcome the new Overground timetable, which will see trains run every six minutes from stations in Hackney, it’s concerning that just last month the service was affected by so many delays. I have been assured by TfL that the new timetable will resolve these issues and end the frustration of so many commuters at Hackney Central over the last year.
With recent cuts to bus services making it harder for residents in some parts of the borough to travel, delays and cancellations on the Overground have also affected those using Hackney Central - compounding the ability of many in Hackney to get around. Increasing journeys made by public transport is crucial if we’re to reduce the land transport pollution driving the Climate Emergency - but this will only happen if bus and train services are effective and reliable. We’ll continue to monitor the performance of trains in Hackney to make sure the new timetable works for local residents.
For more information about the new timetable, visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-overground/london-overground-timetables