New Thameslink fast trains for Welwyn and Knebworth

MP for Stevenage Kevin Bonavia and MP for Welwyn Hatfield Andrew Lewin have announced Govia Thameslink Railway will be restoring three fast train services from Letchworth, Hitchin, Knebworth and Welwyn North to London after years of campaigning from rail users.

From Monday, December 16, three additional services will run in both the morning and evening from Letchworth Garden City to London King’s Cross, stopping at Hitchin, Knebworth and Welwyn North only.

MP Bonavia, who led the campaign to restore the services on behalf of the village of Knebworth in his constituency, said: “After years of tireless campaigning from the Knebworth community, I wanted to make sure fast train services were finally restored from the village into London.

Stevenage MP Kevin Bonavia campaigned on behalf of Knebworth. (Image: Newsquest) "After raising the issue in Parliament, setting up talks with the railway operators and holding a consultation with residents, I’m very pleased to announce this."

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He described how this was a "number-one issue" for residents in Knebworth during his election campaign and is pleases to deliver on his promise.

"Villages have no less aspiration than towns to thrive and they should be supported with the transport infrastructure to do so," he added.

The MP promises to work on station accessibility, improving wider service levels and more issues on local transport in the future.

Andrew Lewin MP who has been campaigning on behalf of residents who use the Welwyn North station said: "Like thousands of people in our community, I regularly commute by train from Welwyn to London.

Welwyn Hatfield MP Andrew Lewin is delighted to restore the train services. (Image: Newsquest) "I know how important it is to have fast and regular services, especially at peak times and I am delighted they will be operating additional fast services from Welwyn North to London from December."

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director at Govia Thameslink Railway that operates Thameslink and Great Northern services, said: "We have listened to the views of our MPs and the concerns of the community and are delighted to be able to introduce these three additional services with the new December timetable. 

"The extra trains will speed the commute into London and provide much-needed space on this busy route."