§ Mr. PollardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the quality of Thameslink services from St. Albans to central London. [110363]
§ Mr. HillOvercrowding on Thameslink services has been eased by the loan of four class 317 units from WAGN and two class 319 units from Connex, resulting in an extra 3,900 seats per week, and an extra train path from 26 September 1999. The shadow Strategic Rail Authority are currently looking at proposals for additional capacity on the Bedford to London section of the route. The long term capacity solution lies within the Thameslink 2000 project, which will improve services for passengers between London and St. Albans.