‘Unhappy passengers slam rail company’ is a headline that is written so often about Govia’s shambolic performance running (or not) Thameslink, it could be said that it hardly qualifies as news any more. There are not enough carriages, trains, or drivers to drive them. Apparently, we should expect imminently a joint statement from Govia and Network Rail about what they are going to do about it, but don’t hold your breath.

The solution is there for all to see. The line should be taken over by Transport for London. They made a success of London Overground, and they would, if they were in charge of Thameslink, do so there, too. And it is not just me saying it. Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson says it, too.

Recently, the London Assembly Conservative Group issued a report with the same conclusion. It is an overwhelmingly popular call amongst commuters. The only one who steadfastly stands shoulder to shoulder with failed Govia is Hendon’s lame duck Conservative MP, out of step with the electorate and with his own party colleagues, too, as he counts down the days to the general election on May 7.

Andrew Dismore

Labour Parliamentary candidate for Hendon London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden