Media centre

Monday 20 Dec 2010

LONGER PLATFORMS AT ROYSTON STATION

Region & Route:

| Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

Commuters in Royston can now benefit from longer 12-car trains in the morning and evening after Network Rail completed a second platform extension at the station.

The southbound platform at Royston station was extended in May 2009 to accommodate First Capital Connect 12-car services travelling to London King’s Cross. The final phase of the project has seen the northbound platform extended to a similar length to enable 12-car services to call at the station on the return journey from King’s Cross to Cambridge. Vital power supply upgrades at Ferme Park in north London have also been completed to allow the new timetable to operate.

Richard Lungmuss, Network Rail route director, said: “The platform extensions at Royston and the improvements to the power supply have made a real difference to passengers, allowing 12-car trains travelling to and from the capital to call at the station. This marks a significant milestone as we continue to explore ways to increase capacity across the rail network.”

From Monday 13 December, more than 6,500 extra seats have been added to morning and evening peak on the Great Northern route from Peterborough, Cambridge and Welwyn Garden City operated by First Capital Connect.

In total, 41 additional carriages and supporting infrastructure work by Network Rail, such as the platform extension at Royston, have added 13% more capacity through longer trains and additional services.

First Capital Connect managing director Neal Lawson said: "Royston is a real winner in the new timetable with 2,350 more seats to and from the station in the rush hour thanks to extra, faster services and longer trains. That includes two new non-stop 12-carriage express services home from London in the evening.