Chiltern Railways trains that are too long for the platforms at Rickmansworth station, in Zone 7 on the London Underground network, regularly skip the stop, leaving passengers to double back via Chorleywood or use Metropolitan line services.
The station, served by both the Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways, has two platforms: the northbound platform 1 towards Chesham and Aylesbury Vale Parkway is 132.3 metres long, while the southbound platform 2 heading into London is slightly longer at 132.8 metres. Metropolitan line S8 stock trains, which are 133.7 metres long, can just about fit and open all doors without issue.
Chiltern Railways trains, however, vary considerably in length. Off-peak services typically run with two, three, or four carriages, ranging from 46 to 92 metres, depending on the model (usually a Class 165 or a Class 168 HybridFLEX), and these can also open all doors without problems. The issue arises during rush hour and other busy periods when train lengths are increased to accommodate more passengers.
When Longer Trains Cause Skipped Stops
Longer services, comprising five or six carriages, can reach up to 139 metres in length. This typically happens when the Metropolitan line is disrupted, making Chiltern the only viable alternative, or when a major event occurs along the route. Because Chiltern trains lack selective door operation—a feature on modern trains that allows specific door sets to remain locked at a station—their scheduled stop at Rickmansworth must be abandoned, and the train continues without halting.
During peak periods, a handful of Chiltern trains run non-stop to and from Chorleywood, with no planned stop at Rickmansworth whatsoever. This forces passengers at Rickmansworth to double back via Chorleywood or take a Metropolitan line service for their entire journey.
Impact on Passengers and Future Plans
The difference in travel times between Chiltern and Metropolitan line services is generally negligible, so there is little additional delay for most passengers. However, those travelling to or from Aylesbury stations must change trains further along the line, which can set them back by as much as 30 minutes.
Extending Rickmansworth's platforms is not feasible because of a bridge over the North Orbital Road immediately to the north and another bridge directly to the south. Chiltern has no current plans to replace its trains with more modern stock, despite the fact that they will reach 40 years of service by the end of the decade, which is the standard operational life for commuter rail vehicles in the UK.
