The silent and dusty Jubilee Line platforms, disused since the extension to Stratford opened, are quiet and still early one morning. The remaining lighting dimly illuminates the abandoned station as years-old litter blows about in a scene that's a million miles away from the rest of the station, already beginning to bustle with early morning commuters on their way in and night workers heading for home. Five-year-old posters line the walls.
The litter begins to blow about a little faster, then faster still as an air current disturbs the peace. Soon after, the unmistakable rumbling and clattering of an approaching train echoes from the tunnel and sure enough, the headlights of the day's first southbound Jubilee Line train appear in the distance before the train itself nervously pulls slowly into the station and stops.
Confused travellers stab at the "door open" buttons and peer at the station signs, trying to figure out exactly what it is they can see through the windows. The driver switches on his PA.
"Er, ladies and gentlemen, as you've probably noticed we seem to have arrived at Charing Cross, where I guess this train will terminate. I'm keeping the doors closed while we work out what to do. I'll be right back with further information as soon as I've asked the signallers exactly what they're playing at. Thank you."
Posted by mpk at June 28, 2004 5:51 PM | TrackBack