Why Thameslink is far better than Crossrail

 Today sees the opening of Crossrail, or the Elizabeth line as it's now known. As a Mill Hill resident, I have to say I'm totally underwhelmed by the whole Crosswail thing. The powers that be are making out it's a new concept and something wonderful.  It's not, Thameslink has been crossing London since 1988, with no fanfair. It has a proper name, more destinations, better trains. Whilst it will make getting to Heathrow and Docklands (and who want's to go there) by train a bit better. This got me thinking, if you were to have a face off between Crossrail and Thameslink, which line is more impressive?  

I'd go for Thameslink every time. Of course it's great that Thameslink is finally open, but here's a few facts that prove Thameslink is far better.

Thameslink

Crossrail

Major London Rail Terminus served

Thameslink                                               Crossrail

Kings Cross                                               Paddington

St Pancras                                                  Liverpool St

Blackfriars

London Bridge

End of Line Destinations

Thameslink                                               Crossrail

Brighton                                                    Shenfield 

Cambridge                                                Abbey Wood

Bedford                                                     Reading

Orpington

Sevenoaks

Rainham

Peterborough

Bedford

League Football Grounds Served

Thameslink                                               Crossrail

Brighton & Hove Albion                            Reading

Cambridge Utd                                           West Ham

Peterborough

Wimbledon

Sutton

Gillingham

Luton Town

Airports Served

Thameslink                                               Crossrail

Gatwick                                                      Heathrow

Luton

Train Capacity

Thameslink                                               Crossrail

• 700/1: 666 seats                                  450 seated, 4 wheelchair, 1,500 people total
• plus 1088 standees
• 1754 TOTAL

Toilets on Trains

Thameslink                                               Crossrail

Yes                                                              No

And best of all, you get this view on Thameslink's heart in Blackfriars.

@RobertElms My favourite view is the view East from Blackfriars Station @BBCRadioLondon pic.twitter.com/FAG2xwuNSo

— Roger Tichborne/Rog T (@Barneteye) August 14, 2018

London Blackfriars station. Is there a more glorious station anywhere pic.twitter.com/Y0KisQoo2Y

— Roger Tichborne/Rog T (@Barneteye) October 1, 2013

I rest my case!