Platform extension work completed at Flitwick and Harlington

Date: 18/11/2011

Work that will help reduce congestion on the UK's trains has been completed in Flitwick and Harlington.

The platforms at these two stations have been lengthened, which means they can now cater for longer 12-car trains that will run on the Bedford to Brighton Thameslink route.

These trains will be in operation from December 2011 and should help to reduce congestion during rush hours as capacity will be increased by 50 per cent.

Major Programme Director for Thameslink Jim Crawford said: "As well as more seats and less congestion at the busiest times of the day, passengers have more to look forward to next year with the new stations at Blackfriars and Farringdon opening."

David Statham, Projects Director at First Capital Connect, explained his firm will be delivering a new fleet of trains in 2015, providing longer services for travellers.

Some 41 platforms have been lengthened at 12 stations on the Midland Main Line over the past four years.

This is not the only train route to be upgraded, as Rail Minister Theresa Villiers announced last month that the West Coast Main Line is to receive extra carriages and seats.

Posted by Mary Treen