Rail bosses have finally set a date to bring back two morning rush hour GTR rail services at Oakleigh Park and New Southgate, following pressure from Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers.
In a victory for commuters, the services are resuming on 15th December. It means both stations will see two more trains to Moorgate during the morning peak, giving them six London-bound trains per hour.
The services were removed in May last year at short notice - prompting Theresa to lobby Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to put them back into the timetable.
She was assured by GTR they expected to restore the missing services when new Class 717 trains are introduced. This has now been confirmed.
“The reduction in train services for more than 18 months has really affected commuters in Barnet. It’s a big relief that we now finally have a firm commitment that that will be back in the timetable before Christmas,” said Theresa.
“Previously, the company said the services would be restored by December 2018, which means the reinstatement is actually 12 months later than planned. This is really an unacceptable delay for those struggling to get to work. I have been on GTR’s case about this issue many times in phone calls and meetings. I also raised the problem with the new Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, who regularly uses Great Northern line services.
“I look forward to seeing the extra services and the new trains at these stations. It will ease overcrowding and improve the commute for thousands of people every week.”
