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.
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