First Capital Connect could be re-nationalised, minister says

The “appalling” service on First Capital Connect’s Brighton to Bedford line could see it being taken back into public ownership, a minster said today.

When asked whether he would consider re-nationalising the franchise today, transport minister Sadiq Khan said: “All options are on the table.”

He told the House of Commons: “There are literally hundreds of thousands of commuters who have received an appalling service – not for one week or one month but over a period of three months.

“Each day the service has not improved is another day of suffering for passengers, and there is a cost to London as well.”

However, FCC said it was trying its best to return its services to normal.

A spokesman said: “We are committed to the Thameslink franchise, and committed to the long-term development of the franchise.”

He added: “By early February we expect to have a full fleet of trains.”

This week, the rail operator announced it was boosting the compensation it was willing to pay out to season ticket holders.