Letter to the editor: The need for direct trains between Bromley North and London is compelling (A capital idea, October 1).

There are now significantly more commuters using the shuttle service, as demonstrated daily during the rush hour when often there is standing room only. In 1990, the reason given for withdrawing the through service was that the new trains being introduced were too long to be accommodated on Bromley North station as they would run over the rail points.

As no mention is now made of that I assume this difficulty has been overcome.

However, it seems in 2014 the new issue is that Bromley North trains would have to cut across the paths of other trains at Grove Park. Luckily that was not a problem pre-1990 when the services seemed quicker and more reliable. As stated in your article, no change in tracks are needed as the issue with the points seems to be no longer relevant.

Commuters just want a decent service. So why do we need to wait until 2018 for a review after completion of the Thameslink programme? A through service would also greatly relieve the overcrowding on the Orpington/London route.

Could News Shopper run a competition to guess the excuses we will be offered in 2018?

Entries should be with you by 2015 to celebrate 25 years of commuter misery. My suggestion is that the DLR might be extended and a feasibility study will be undertaken in 2030.

RUPERT CHILD, Address supplied