A campaign to restore a full tube service at Kensington Olympia station has reached 10,000 signatures.
The campaign, called ‘Connect Kensington Olympia’, calls on Transport for London to reinstate a full London Underground timetable following reductions in service numbers in 2011.
The campaign claims that an increase in tube services will improve air quality and ease congestion in the area and has been backed by the local MP and councillors, businesses, residents, event organisers and visitors to the area.
The petition is supported by Olympia London, which welcomes 1.6 million visitors to its venue each year, and has the backing of some the biggest event industry organisers.
Nigel Nathan, Managing Director at Olympia London, said: “We are calling on Transport for London to restore a full service at Kensington Olympia tube station. Restoring full usage of the District Line branch is important to both members of our local community and visitors to our exhibitions, who would benefit from a more regular service.”
A full tube service would immediately remove 5,700 round trip bus journeys between Earls Court and Olympia London. It would also lower the demand for taxis and private hire vehicles, delivering immediate air quality benefits to the area.
Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith, said: “The Kensington Olympia area is one of the most densely populated parts of London. At its centre we have the Olympia London exhibition centre, which plays a key employment, economic and cultural role for London and the wider country.
“There is a strong case for restoring a full District Line tube service. Footfall to Olympia London alone has risen since the District Line was suspended in 2011, from 700,000 visitors a year to 1.6m now.
“TfL, as part of its Four Line Modernisation Programme, is currently installing new signalling technology that could allow for more trains to travel along the Kensington Olympia branch. As the local MP, I will do all I can to ensure that these upgrades are made as soon as possible so that residents, business and visitors to the area can benefit from a tube service that the area deserves.”
Local residents and businesses opposed the removal of Kensington Olympia’s full tube service in 2011. At present Kensington Olympia runs a limited London Overground service. The campaign is not calling for reduced District line services elsewhere on the network.
Richard Morey, Managing Director at Media 10 and organiser of the popular Ideal Home Show, said: “The Ideal Home Show is backing the Connect Kensington Olympia campaign so that more visitors, exhibitors and members of the community are able to enjoy a better show experience at the iconic Olympia London.”
To sign the petition visit http://www.connectkensingtonolympia.com/
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