From Sunday, the East Coast Main Line will operate under a new timetable, bringing changes to passenger services across the route. The updated timetable will affect services across the rail network including the Thameslink route operated by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).
These timetable changes come against a backdrop of longstanding concerns about unreliable services on the GTR network, particularly for passengers using Sandy and Biggleswade railway stations. Since early 2020, Richard has worked with Rail User Groups, local councillors and GTR executives to press for improvements on GTR's service delivery and raise constituents’ concerns. While there have been some improvements, such as new peak-time services for Biggleswade last spring and additional trains last Christmas, overall performance remains poor.
After widespread disruption this summer, Richard escalated the issue to GTR’s Chief Operating Officer, John Whitehurst, who advised that the new timetable from 14 December is intended to improve service delivery and agreed to attend a public meeting in the New Year. In September, the Government announced that GTR will transfer to public ownership on 31 May 2026. Richard will continue to hold the operator to account and more information about his work on this issue can be found here.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Govia Thameslink Railway has committed to improving service delivery through these timetable changes. It is important that these improvements are realised in practice, and I will continue to monitor their impact. In the meantime, I encourage all rail users to review the new schedules and plan their journeys accordingly.
Passengers are advised to check the new schedules before travelling. Full details can be found at: https://ecmltimetable.info
