London TravelWatch has submitted its response to Network Rail’s draft East Midlands Route Utilisation Strategy.

This covers the route from London St Pancras to Sheffield via Derby and Nottingham, the Thameslink route north of Blackfriars to Bedford, and regional East Midland services. Our response concerns services in London TravelWatch’s area (up to Bedford), except where the consequences of services and performances in other areas may impact service south of Bedford.

The strategy focuses on the next ten years up to 2019, but also gives consideration to strategy for the route up to 30 years in the future.

London TravelWatch’s key concern on the East Midlands route is current and future capacity. Current levels of crowding on East Midlands Trains and First Capital Connect are significant at peak periods. However, the Thameslink Programme and Intercity Express Programme will provide a substantial increase in commuter capacity.

We also suggest that consideration is given to central London station capacity, as there is a clear issue with the volume of passengers forecast for St Pancras International.

London TravelWatch’s response can be downloaded here.

For media enquiries, please contact Jo deBank in the London TravelWatch press office on 020 7726 9953 or 07734 055494.

The voice of London's transport users
19 November 2009