If Zone 1 ever was to be extended then I don't think that there is any arguement, a new record has to be set. That does not take away from Starkey the fact that he set the record with a 64 station config. However if stations are removed from Z1 (Unlikely I guess) then it would appear to be a hollow record if someone set a slower time that the previous record for 64 stations.
In terms of the GWR it will be very interesting to see what happens.
If Guinness don't insist that we take the bus then in theory you could take around 30 minutes off Hakans time without doing the ELL. However, if somebody set a time of say 18h24m59s having done 269 stations, although slightly quicker than Hakan it would seem to be a hollow record.
Whatever the case anyone planning to do the record after the ELL closes I would highly recommend to just go out there and do it. Don't bother asking Guinness any stupid questions, just see what rules Guinness e-mail to you and if there is no mention of ELL closure and replacement buses just go for a 269 record.
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