An irreverent Twitter account has been set up to mock the perceived incompetence of Transport for London (TfL) after repeated delays on a rail line recently integrated into the Overground network.
Despite assurances of improved reliability on the busy commuter route between Chingford and Liverpool Street, via Walthamstow, travellers have endured regular delays, cancellations and overcrowding due to shorter trains.
There has also been claims of a lack of information on disrupted services, leading many to question TfL's commitment to passenger care since it took over the line on May 31.
Seemingly set up anonymously by a disgruntled commuter, the expletive-ridden Chingford Overground account using the handle @TfLChingford provides regular mock driver and announcer updates on services on the line.
These include: "Sorry for the lack of disruption today - we're slacking off, cos it's Friday. We'll cancel a s***load of trains on Monday to make up for it."
Another post read "KA-POW! The 17:18 will also be skipping virtually every stop on the line. Don't live in Walthamstow or Chingford? Tough s***. F*** you!"
Director of London Overground, Mike Stubbs, has apologised to travellers for the problems on the line, citing "defective train issues" from inherited trains.
London Mayor Boris Johnson admitted during Mayor's Question Time yesterday that services to Chingford, Enfield Town and Chestnut are unlikely to reach the standard seen on other Overground routes for a "couple of years".
The mayor said: "I can assure you that we are working flat-out to make sure that we deliver a better service.
"I’m confident that in a couple of years’ time you will see the same sorts of improvement that you saw with the metro service and other parts of the Overground.
"I am going to put my hands up here and say I am fully aware that there has been some teething problems.
"It will get better, we are on it.
"Our objective is to invest in these stations, invest in these services and invest in new trains."
Here are some of @TfLChingford tweets
Ok, so the Area Manager just came into the office and went mental at us for not doing any work. We’d better screw up some trains, sharpish!
— Chingford Overground (@TfLChingford) June 12, 2015
The front carriage of the 8:29 from Chingford is locked, because the driver doesn't want to have to sit near to you plebs.
— Chingford Overground (@TfLChingford) June 15, 2015
We've had reports of hipsters at Bethnal Green so the 18:33 won't be stopping there, as we can't abide straggly-bearded wankers.
— Chingford Overground (@TfLChingford) June 16, 2015
Some twitter users have praised the account, which has 460 followers and was created last week.
.@TfLChingford is a work of genius, give it a follow if it's your line.
— Tony Barnett (@vladivartone) June 14, 2015
New favourite Twitter feed is @TfLChingford. Will try to remember how hilarious it is when waiting at Liverpool St for non-existent train!
— Lauren Grace (@LG_Jewellery) June 17, 2015
@TfLChingford don't know who you are but you're brilliant ;)
— kegs (@kegs43) June 13, 2015
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