Following the poor performance of Govia Thameslink, St Albans MP, Anne Main, undertook a series of meetings with ministers, Network Rail and Govia. The transport minister, Claire Perry, has now confirmed that she has secured a ‘commitment that Network Rail and the train operators’ will now provide ‘a monthly report on progress towards committed outputs and publish this on their websites’.

Anne said, ‘I was glad to have taken commuters’ woes to ministers and rail representatives. I was pleased that after the first meeting with the Transport Secretary, an enhanced compensation settlement was announced. This was a small step in the right direction.

‘I welcome this latest announcement from the Department of Transport as it shows a real commitment to hold train operators and Network Rail to account. In the meeting last month, the minister made clear that my views and those of my constituents were of primary concern and that Govia and Network Rail would have to improve their performance and communication methods.

‘Shining a spotlight in this way will hopefully lead to improved services, and allow passengers to clearly see how the train companies are performing.

‘I will continue to do all I can to hold Govia’s feet to the fire, and to ensure commuters’ concerns are being heard at the highest level.’