17.07.18
More delays hit GTR after third timetable in two months, leaving passengers furious
Services on the renewed timetable for struggling rail firm GTR have already been hit by a spate of cancellations despite the operator introducing its third timetable in two months.
Networks under GTR’s control— Southern, Thameslink, and Greater Northern— were marred by disruption after the TOC claimed the new schedule, introduced last weekend, would provide a “more robust and reliable service” following the chaotic timetable shake-up on 20 May.
Passengers took to social media to air their grievances, with many posting images of the GTR app showing a swathe of delayed or cancelled services during their morning commute.
One user wrote: “Dear #Thameslink. This week was supposed to be the start of your new strong & stable (if hugely reduced) timetable. And yet there still appear to be huge crowds & delays to trains. Could you please help me out with why? Confused Of Harpenden #saveHPDtrains @TLRailUK @IanProsser7.”
GTR’s public grilling on social media is nothing new: last week, for example, a manager was lambasted on social media after taking up two seats on a packed train.
Following the new timetable implemented on Sunday, passengers complained of scores of services being disrupted.
And even those who were able to get on a train were greeted with packed-out carriages and no seats available.
Last week it was announced that GTR would be scrapping plans for winter timetables to prevent another fiasco from reoccurring.
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