Anne Main MP has said that there is ‘light at the end of the tunnel’, following a public question-and-answer session with train and rail operators.  

 

The St Albans MP chaired a public meeting with Govia Thameslink (GTR) and Network Rail amid concerns about the level of service St Albans commuters are experiencing.  Anne said, ‘Given some of the recent problems with the service, people want to know what’s going on.

 

‘Govia and Network Rail were full and frank about the challenges they face, and I believe that they got the message from commuters loud and clear.  The meeting was very representative.  A broad range of problems and issues that passengers experience on a daily basis were fully discussed. 

 

‘Before the meeting, I was delighted to learn that the improved compensation scheme for passengers will be rolled out first on the Thameslink line.’  Mrs Main was responding to the announcement that passengers are now able to claim back 25% of their fare if their train is delayed over 15 minutes.  Anne said, ‘this was something I was pushing the rail minister on last year.  Commuters were saying to me that it was unfair that they could only apply for compensation when their train was over 30 minutes late.  This is a much needed improvement.’

 

During the meeting, GTR confirmed that they are hoping to announce plans for a new footbridge to ease congestion at St Albans City station, something that Mrs Main said will be ‘warmly welcomed’ by commuters.   The train operator also confirmed that it was making improvements to ticket machines in the station and had made good progress on the ‘teething problems’ associated with the new Siemens trains.  It also confirmed that it was implementing a ‘significant-change culture’ to improve its communication and customer service.

 

‘A lot has come out of the meeting.  Passengers tell me that they want to see improvements, and what GTR were offering was light at the end of the tunnel.  I understand that some progress has have been made.  It’s now up to Thameslink to deliver on these.’