Farewell to Moorgate

The Farringdon to Moorgate branch line, which dates back to 1868, will close permanently to passenger service when the new timetable is introduced on 22 March 2009.

The branch operates Monday-Friday only. The final scheduled service from Moorgate leaves on Friday, March 20, at 19.06. A countdown clock at the head of platforms 5 and 6 at Moorgate station is ticking away to this moment in hours, minutes and seconds.

A further service is timetabled to run into Moorgate, arriving at 19.41. This should then run empty to Kentish Town at 19.54 but First Capital Connect has responded to the requests of rail enthusiasts to operate this in passenger service, as a final celebratory run. It will call at Farringdon, St Pancras and then Kentish Town.

Places on the eight-carriage service will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at the head of platforms 5 & 6 at Moorgate. FCC will issue special free commemorative tickets for the journey and invite donations to the Railway Children in exchange.

Rail enthusiasts should note that flash photography will not be permitted on the station as London Underground services will be operating nearby and the bright light can affect the vision of LU drivers operating in dark environments.