Join other transport geeks, enthusiasts and day trippers for a ride on and visit to some of London’s newest transport infrastructure and trains, with an emphasis on the East.   Naturally transport providers have thwarted some best laid plans through timetable changes and bus replacement.  So unfortunately we won’t be travelling on the shortest rail service in the UK (Upminster to Romford) or travelling direct from Liverpool Street to Barking.

Assemble 10.30am sharp at East Croydon station ticket hall ready for a 10.42 train to London Bridge.  You are responsible for buying suitable ticket.  Contactless or Oyster  card would be the best.

In spite of the disappointment of not visiting Upminster, we will pass through some lesser used stations (as far as Croydonians are concerned) such as Canon Street and Fenchurch Street.  We will see evidence of multimillion, ongoing capacity upgrade at Bank station, travel on two brand new lines including gawping at the River Thames from the upcoming Barking Riverside development and its new station and take a convoluted route (via Wanstead Park / Forest Gate (Elizabeth Line)) to Romford to see what’s there (the Croydon of East London?).  After all that, we will probably want to rush back to the more familiar central London.

At this stage / afternoon there may be other places to go, trains to see that I have not thought of – do contribute ideas.

Pubs around Covent Garden will be busy with weekend and theatre custom (in fact desired pub is booked out till May) so I plan a conclusion at The Castle, Farringdon from where people can find their Thameslink way home when they please (“London Terminals” national rail ticket / season is not valid at Farringdon, so contactless and Oyster is best).   Those who wish may like to have a late afternoon / early evening meal there and if that is the case let me know by Wednesday 15 February so I can try and secure a table(s).