Commuter feedback forced u-turn

First Capital Connect says its plan to limit off-peak travel on certain local routes in order to combat overcrowding has been revised following consultation with passenger groups.

The plan was to restrict off-peak travellers from using their cheap tickets between 16:30 and 19:01. Those travelling off-peak would be forced to either buy the more expensive day return ticket, or stagger their journey.

The change was covered in an article on BBC News Online on June 6 and on the This Is Money site.

Now, according to Elaine Holt, managing director of First Capital Connect, the company has had a change of mind following meetings with Passenger Focus and London TravelWatch to hear their concerns.

"We have looked at all the suggestions and (are) pleased to be able to implement a package of changes that we believe will benefit a number of our customers," she said.

As a result, twelve stations have been removed from the scheme as from Monday 10 July. Locally affected stations are Brookmans Park, Welham Green, Potters Bar, Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City.

Other nearby stations removed from the scheme include Hertford North, Bayford, Cuffley, and Radlett.

You can discuss this issue in this site's forum.

10 July 2006