MP Julie Marson has written another letter to Greater Anglia, asking it to put on more rush-hour trains along the Bishop's Stortford-Sawbridgeworth branch as passenger numbers increase following the end of covid work from home guidance.
Julie has been in contact with the managing director of the train company, Jamie Burles, this week due to receiving emails and letters from fed-up commuters over the frequency of services.
She wants the present four trains per hour increased to the pre-Christmas level of six per hour to meet demand as passenger usage is now outweighing the number of services provided.
“My constituents and I have noticed a spike in usage since working from home guidance came to an end last week. Indeed, frustrations among those who use this train branch regularly are growing, as reflected by my post bag and inbox,” the letter said.
“Four trains per hour at peak times needs to be increased to pre-Christmas levels as soon as Greater Anglia can do so. I would, therefore, urge you to reinstate services along the Bishop’s Stortford-Sawbridgeworth branch at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Julie added: “Greater Anglia has been very receptive to looking at increasing services following myself and others getting in contact. It recently reinstated trains between Hertford East and the City after I wrote to the company about it.
“The situation is evolving in Hertford and Stortford as economic activity steps up because the brilliant booster programme has allowed the Government to end many Covid regulations.
"I believe now it is the right time to increase services on the Stortford to Sawbridgeworth branch line to meet this growing demand and optimism too.
“I know the train company has been monitoring the situation and I hope it will act soon so that passengers can have greater choice in the services they can catch.”