Train users across Hertford and Stortford have been acutely affected by Greater Anglia’s new timetable that came into force on Monday 10 January.
The new timetable has seen the direct train route from Hertford East to Liverpool Street removed, adding significant time to passengers’ journeys. Similarly, in the West of the Hertford and Stortford constituency, a reduction in the number of trains running through Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth has meant that hardworking people are having to get up earlier to board their morning train.
Yesterday (12 January), local MP, Julie Marson, wrote to Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, calling on the rail operator “to increase the number of trains per hour running across the constituency and reinstate the direct route between Hertford East and Liverpool Street as a matter of urgency.” Mrs Marson has also requested a meeting with Mr Burles and Greater Anglia’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Jonathan Denby, in her constituency to discuss the matter.
In her letter, Mrs Marson noted that “the move is in response to changing travel patterns caused by the pandemic,” but added that Greater Anglia’s actions have been “short-sighted”.
Commenting separately, Mrs Marson said:
“Greater Anglia’s new timetable greatly inconveniences local residents all over my constituency.
“Removing the direct link between Hertford East and the City creates delays for those travelling in or out of London, eating into people’s already busy days. Similarly, adding delays to those coming from Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth is deeply frustrating. Greater Anglia are responding to changing travel patterns in the wake of the pandemic, but what makes matters worse is that the move comes after early data has indicated that omicron has peaked, meaning that trains are likely to become busier in the next few weeks.
“That’s why I have called upon Greater Anglia to restore their services, and I look forward to receiving Mr Burles’s response shortly.”