Thameslink passengers complain of further disruption despite third new timetable in two months
Thameslink has said it is aware of "a number of disruptions" across its services this morning, despite the introduction of another timetable.
The service is running on its third timetable in two months, as it tries to reduce the disruption caused by new running times introduced on 20 May.
But the rail operator has told some passengers on Twitter that it is "aware of a number of disruptions".
Apologies for this. We are aware of a number of disruptions across our service today and we sincerely apologise to our customers ^NN
— Thameslink (@TLRailUK) July 16, 2018
Customers have complained on social media of trains being cancelled and overcrowded. Some trains also ran faster than usual in an attempt to avoid causing further delays.
Others experienced confusion due to the new timetable, with Citymapper showing incorrect times.
Very sorry for the overcrowding. Once the interim timetable has bedded in we will be gradually introducing more services ^Neil
— Thameslink (@TLRailUK) July 16, 2018
However, some commuters have expressed surprise to find their journeys to work "stress free" with the interim timetable.
@TLRailUK I’m in shock. 7.04 three bridges to city thameslink reinstated with the interim timetable and im having a stress free journey to work for the first time in 6 weeks. Wondering what the journey home will be like? Will the mysterious 17.06 actually run?
— Ian Ratcliff (@ianrat1) July 16, 2018
well day 1, train 1 (which gets me into work the time i used to) actually turned up and ran on time. i wait with great anticipation for myvtraim home tonight! #thameslink #TLRailUK
— Tim (@coastie61) July 16, 2018
I’m on an advertised #thameslink train with a seat and it’s running to time. Hasn’t happened since May 20 2018. Cautious yet jubilant. pic.twitter.com/uIGBBlHm1h
— Kate Dodsworth (@DodsworthKate) July 16, 2018
New timings were introduced yesterday, but this morning is the first rush hour test of the timetable.
Speaking when details of the new timetable were first announced, chief operating officer Nick Brown said: "The new timetable provides passengers with a more robust and reliable service, gives priority to peak hour trains and seeks to reduce gaps in the service."
Read more: Heidi Alexander: 'No-brainer' for TfL to take on parts of GTR franchise
Bad news for Go Ahead
Meanwhile, Thameslink owner Go-Ahead Group's share price dropped as much as 8.7 per cent this morning after HSBC analysts slashed the stock rating from "buy" to "hold".
The price drop was not explicitly linked to the performance of GOG's train services but the broker cited "rail risks" and a cautious outlook for buses.
Other travel today
By late morning there was a good service running on most Tube lines but the Bakerloo Linehas severe delays and there are minor delays on the London Overground.
An interim timetable is also in place on Great Northern and Northern Rail this morning.
There are minor delays to some Cross Country and East Midlands trains.