London TravelWatch: Delay comes amidst ‘huge’ fare hikes

Transport watchdog London TravelWatch comments on the government’s announcement on rail investment:

“We are very pleased that Thameslink is going ahead in its entirety, providing much-needed capacity for inner London and the surrounding commuter regions.

“However, we are disappointed that passengers will have to endure severe disruption for a further three years, especially at a time when passengers are suffering huge fare rises. This delay means it is not so much jam tomorrow, as jam the day after tomorrow.

“We are delighted that electrification for the commuter services in West London and the Thames Valley has been confirmed. There has been an urgent need for more capacity for passengers for a long time.”