Matthew has met with representatives of Govia, the company awarded the Thameslink franchise from September 2014. The company will operate the trains that pass through the Hendon and Mill Hill Broadway stations.  During the discussion Matthew sought answers to questions raised with him by local constituents. This included frequency of service, the introduction of new trains, step-free access at Mill Hill and staff presence at stations. 

Assurances were given to Matthew that there will be the introduction of some 12-car trains at Mill Hill; the gradual replacement of the older 319 rolling stock by 377 until the introduction of the entire newly-built 700 Siemens trains between 2016 and 2018; first to last staffing introduced at Mill Hill Broadway; free wi-fi at both Hendon and Mill Hill Broadway stations; and real time information on all trains and Tube services from 2016. 

Matthew said: “I was heartened by the discussions I have had with Govia and do not expect there to be any disruption during the transition in September. The issue of step-free access was discussed and an ‘in principal’ agreement was given by the company. This is an issue that I am taking the lead on as the Member of Parliament and I will continue to press the Department of Transport and Govia. It was also made very clear to me that there is no possibility of Transport for London taking over the franchise as the line is part of a regional route extending from Cambridgeshire to Brighton, and it is misleading for anyone to suggest that this might be a possibility.”