The RUS considered the extension of ELL trains to 5, 6 or 8 coach trains and turned all three options down (Not recommended prior to 2020). One of the problems is the old stations in the central core, particularly Wapping and Rotherhithe. These would require major works entailing closure of the line in order to extend them. The decision to proceed with a 4 coach service was a financial one - better to have the solution we have now rather than nothing.

Given the current Government's financial mindset, it is highly unlikely that we will see the ELL modified to accept longer trains for many years. Having said that, the RUS does show an increase in service giving us 6tph from Crystal Palace in 2012 (in addition to Victoria service).