Royston rush hour train has coaches cut by half

A BUSY commuter rail service is to have its number of carriages cut temporarily, from this week. The 7.44am service from Royston to London Kings Cross will be formed of four carriages, rather than the usual eight, for the next 10 weeks. Train operator Fir

A BUSY commuter rail service is to have its number of carriages cut temporarily, from this week.

The 7.44am service from Royston to London Kings Cross will be formed of four carriages, rather than the usual eight, for the next 10 weeks.

Train operator First Capital Connect (FCC) says the changes are necessary as stock has had to be re-routed to the Thameslink line.

An FCC spokesman said: "Train manufacturer Bombardier failed to supply 23 new trains in preparation for the Thameslink Programme March timetable, and FCC was left with no alternative but to pull together carriages from a host of outlets to fully deliver the new timetable.

"This was a very difficult decision for FCC to make and we appreciate our services are busy during this time.

"FCC would like to apologise in advance to users of these services.

"However Bombardier promised 23 trains for the Thameslink timetable and delivered only two."

The spokesman added that all other services would run as normal, including the eight-coach 7.34am train between Royston and London Kings Cross.

For more information, visit the website: www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk