More trains means worse service for Herts travellers

2.16.55pm GMT Mon 2nd Nov 2009

Cllr Cowan investigates fares with parliamentary candidate Sandy Walkington. Despite fare hikes local commuters now have longer journeys and fewer options.

A new timetable for the East Coast mainline means a much worse service from Stevenage.

Currently there are trains from Stevenage to a variety of destinations - Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh amongst others.

A new timetable designed by the Rail Regulator, to allow 5 fast trains an hour from Kings Cross instead of 4, results in a dramatic worsening from the Herts railhead.

In future, apart from one very early train to Newcastle, the only destination from Stevenage will be Leeds, one train per hour.

And to go further north will mean a 56 minute wait at Doncaster - or catch a slow train to Peterborough and change there.

LibDem county transport spokesperson, Cllr Malcolm Cowan. says 'One wonders exactly what planet some of these people live on. This is a major step backward for both business and leisure travellers who rely on Stevenage.

'As fares soar, we get a worse service under Labour's cack-handed mis-management of our transport system.

'My investigations show there has been minimal consultation about this dramatic change; I shall be writing to the Transport Minister and the Rail Regulator to demand a more sensible service for the people of Herts and Beds who have hitherto used Stevenage as a convenient start to the journey north,' Malcolm added.

For further information, contact Malcolm Cowan on 01707-324723