MP calls for return of train service

Hetford & Stortford constituency MP Julie Marson has written to train operator Greater Anglia asking the company to re-instate direct services for Hertford East to Liverpool Street, after a temporary timetable was introduced on Monday.

The new timetable sees weekday trains replaced by Sunday services operating from Hertford East to Stratford.

Passenger numbers are currently at 40-50 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with peak-time numbers about 30 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

In her letter to managing director Jamie Burles, Mrs Marson writes: "The new timetable means that passengers coming from Hertford East, Ware and St.Margarets no longer have a direct train line to Liverpool Street. These passengers are now expected to change at Tottenham Hale when making their journeys into London, boarding the train that has come from the Bishop's Stortford branch of the line. This adds unnecessary tiem to the journeys of those coming from the Hertford East branch, forcing hardworking commuters to get up even eaerleir each morning to catch their train.

"I would urge you to increase the number of trains per hour running across the constituency and reinstate the direct route between Hertford East and Liverpool Street as a matter of urgency."

Greater Anglia today announced that they would be reinstating some Hertford East trains terminating at Liverpool Street from Monday 17th January, and all from 24th January.

Two morning and two afternoon services will run between Hertford East and London Liverpool Street from Monday, leaving Hertford East at 07.10, 07.41, 16.39 and 17.09 and the current 08.11, 08.41, 17.44 and 18.17 services will start at London Liverpool Street instead of Stratford.

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: "We're very sorry for any inconvenience caused to customers by the new temporary timetable.

"We've listened to feedback and we’re making changes to make journeys better for school children and commuters alike.

"We'll continue to monitor passenger numbers, listen to our customers and make adjustments if necessary, by either increasing the length of trains or adding extra services."

He added: "Our railway has changed as a result of the pandemic. We’re seeing fewer commuters and business travellers due to people working from home when they can, and we’re now funded entirely by the Government – and ultimately taxpayers.

"We have a duty to our customers and to taxpayers. We want to provide a reliable and punctual service for our customers, which is also good value to taxpayers.

"We are determined to continue running a reliable and punctual service for all our customers, as we have done throughout the pandemic."