Great Northern has responded to a significant increase in passenger demand by introducing extra rush hour services on key routes into and out of London. This move aims to alleviate crowding and enhance commuter convenience during peak travel times.
New Timetable Enhancements for Commuters
Effective from Monday, February 9, 2026, Great Northern launched an additional weekday train at 8.45am, departing from Letchworth Garden City and arriving at London King's Cross. Complementing this, a 4.54pm service now runs from London King's Cross to Cambridge, providing more options for evening travellers.
Background to the Service Expansion
This expansion follows an improved timetable announced by Govia Thameslink, the operator of Great Northern, in December. The changes were designed to boost connectivity along the East Coast Main Line, linking London with various Home Counties destinations. Data from the Office of Rail and Road highlights a notable uptick in rail usage, with 1.7 billion passenger journeys recorded between April 2024 and March 2025, marking a 7.2 per cent rise from the previous year.
Passenger Numbers Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels
Rail travel in the UK has almost rebounded to pre-COVID pandemic peaks, which saw 1.8 billion journeys in 2018-2019. However, when excluding figures from the Elizabeth line, current passenger numbers remain 15.2 per cent below this high. The new services are part of efforts to bridge this gap and meet growing demand.
Adjustments to Existing Services
As part of the timetable revisions, Great Northern has confirmed that the 4.27pm service from London King's Cross to Cambridge, which was temporarily extended to Cambridge in December, will now terminate at Letchworth Garden City. This adjustment helps streamline operations and allocate resources more effectively.
Operator's Perspective on the Changes
John Whitehurst, Chief Operating Officer at Govia Thameslink Railway, commented on the developments, stating: "The introduction of December's new timetable has gone smoothly, adding seats for commuters or speeding journeys to and from stations between London, Hertford North, Cambridge, and King's Lynn. We are now confident we can complete the planned full benefits of the timetable and add these extra two services in the rush hour, which will create more space for passengers when and where it is needed most."
These enhancements reflect a proactive approach by rail operators to adapt to post-pandemic travel patterns, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with passenger needs. With rail usage on the rise, such initiatives are crucial for maintaining efficient and comfortable commuter experiences across the network.
