Letter to the Editor on Thameslink
Dear editor
Your frequent and consistent reports of Thameslink’s failings mean the decision to transfer control of the line to TfL is a welcome one. However It is outrageous that hard pressed commuters who use the Thameslink service will have to wait 5 years until this happens to the most unpopular railway line in the whole country.
I have been calling for such action for years now, despite opposition from the local Conservative MP in Hendon who went out of his way to oppose the transfer, and even argued that the service would improve under Govia, compared to FCC who lost the franchise. However, almost unbelievably the service has got even worse.
There was a golden opportunity to move Thameslink to TfL last year, when the franchise came up for renewal, but the Government awarded the franchise to Govia- TfL was not even allowed to bid. There now must be an overwhelming case to cancel the franchise due to such appalling performance. I urge the Government to look again at how long this is all going to take otherwise. Local commuters have started an on line petition https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/119480 calling for an immediate transfer and I would urge all Thameslink users who agree to sign up now.
Andrew Dismore AM
Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden
