We have been contacted by Dispatches who are producing a feature on the UK train operators and want IhateThameslink readers to submit their stories, pictures, and video to them. This really is a great way to expose the shambolic First Capital Connect. I encourage everyone with a camera or smart-phone to take as much footage of their crowded journeys or bad conditions and submit it to Dispatches.

Video – You can upload your video footage to YouTube here, showing the train conditions and your experience of them.

Comments -You can post comments about your experiences directly to the Dispatches website by using the comments box at the bottom of this page. Alternatively you can email your comments and stories to dispatches@channel4.co.uk. Comments and video sent to this email address will not be published on the Dispatches site.

Tweet - You can tweet your stories to Twitter using the hash tag #trainpain

Get involved!

The response noted that whilst the disruption experienced at the end of 2009 was unacceptable, FCC did not breach their franchise terms, and so the franchise cannot be taken away. The response then goes on to say that FCC have been improving and are recruiting additional drivers to lessen the reliance on drivers volunteering to work overtime and rest days

Given the severity of the disruption we feel this response is particularly weak. What is your view? Leave a comment.

The full statement can be read here.

Minister Told of Thameslink Anger

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Streatham has contacted FCC and has met with the transport minister to express his anger over the continued disruption to services as a result of the staff unofficial strike.

Chuka has written to First Capital Connect protesting against the current disruption being experienced by Thameslink passengers and met with the Transport Minister to relay residents’ concerns over plans
for the line.

Chuka said

“The disruption to Thameslink services this week has been awful and is simply unacceptable”

Nuff said!

Thanks Chuka.

Thameslink route

Northbound
- 09:37 Sutton – Kentish Town
- 16:18 Elephant & Castle – Bedford (calls at Farringdon at 16:27)
- 16:04 Brighton – London Bridge
- 17:58 Elephant & Castle – Luton (calls at Farringdon at 18:07)
- 18:18 Herne Hill – Bedford (calls at Farringdon at 18:37)

Southbound
- 08:06 St Albans – Sutton
- 08:54 Luton – Elephant & Castle
- 17:11 London Bridge – Brighton

Great Northern route

Northbound
1312 Moorgate to Hertford North terminates at Alexandra Palace
1332 Moorgate to Hertford North cancelled
1442 Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City cancelled
1552 Moorgate to Stevenage cancelled
1638 Moorgate to Hertford North cancelled
1757 Kings Cross to Welwyn Garden City cancelled
1808 Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City cancelled
1823 Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City cancelled
1937 Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City cancelled
2007 Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City starts at Alexandra Palace
2152 Moorgate to Hertford North cancelled
2241 Kings Cross to Welwyn Garden City cancelled
0106 Kings Cross to Letchworth (Saturday morning) cancelled

Southbound
1232 Hertford North to Moorgate terminates at Alexandra Palace
1343 Welwyn Garden City to Moorgate cancelled
1452 Hertford North to Moorgate cancelled
1544 Welwyn Garden City to Moorgate cancelled
1620 Letchworth Garden City to Moorgate due 1726 will no longer call at:  Letchworth Garden City, Hitchin, Stevenage and Watton-At-Stone.
1659 Stevenage to Moorgate cancelled
1736 Hertford North to Moorgate cancelled
2058 Welwyn Garden City to Moorgate cancelled
2310 Hertford North to Kings Cross cancelled
2318 Letchworth to Kings Cross cancelled
0516 Royston to Kings (Saturday morning) cancelled