This line, designed to stimulate suburban growth, had a chequered career.

As part of the 1935 – 1940 New Works Programme of the London Passenger Transport Board, the majority of the loop was to be transferred to form the eastern extensions of the Central line.

Steam train services serving Fairlop were suspended on 29 November 1947 and electrified Central line passenger services, to Central London via Gants Hill, finally commenced on 31 May 1948.

Few alterations took place during this transfer, and the station remains a fine example of an Edwardian railway station including canopies that still bear the GER symbol in the bracketry.

The station has toilet facilities, a car park, and a waiting room on both westbound and eastbound platforms.