Matthew has sought reassurance from the Transport Minister that the Thameslink improvement programme remains on schedule.
Matthew, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Thameslink, raised the matter in the House of Commons as a result of speculation that there were errors in the procurement process for the Thameslink rolling stock. Concern had been expressed about Thameslink in the light of the “flaws” discovered in the competition process to run the West Coast Main Line.
Matthew said: “As a user of Thameslink I have first-hand experience of this line and understand the problems that face hard working commuters and other users. I am therefore anxious that there should be no delays in the upgrade programme and I am pleased that the Minister confirmed that the requirements of EU procurement law had been met in connection with Thameslink and that the whole process should conclude early in the new year.
I will continue to monitor that this programme - which will provide new and longer trains between a wider range of stations without requiring passengers to change trains in London - remains on track so that my constituents in Edgware, Mill Hill and Hendon receive the smooth and comfortable journey they deserve.”