Work has now finished on the final Thameslink platform extensions at Flitwick and Harlington stations meaning 50% longer 12-car trains with more seats can operate on the Bedford to Brighton Thameslink route from December 2011.

Over the last four years, Network Rail has lengthened 41 platforms at 12 stations on the Midland main line between Bedford and West Hampstead. The longer platforms will allow 12 car trains to operate, rather than 8, at the busiest times of the day. That’s a 50% boost in capacity on those services.


Jim Crawford, major programme director for Thameslink, said: "The completion of the platform extensions marks a major milestone in the Thameslink construction programme and will allow longer trains to run from next month as planned.

"As well as more seats and less congestion at the busiest times of the day, passengers have more to look forward to next year with the new stations at Blackfriars and Farringdon opening. This will provide a huge improvement to facilities and access at these two important London stations."

(CD)