Petition launched for improved rail service

Local resident Laura Saunders has launched a petition in support of improved rail services from Hertford East station.

At present there are five trains to London between 7am and 9am in the morning, many of which are close to standing room only by the time they reach Ware.

The petition on change.org reads:

There are currently two trains from Hertford East to London Liverpool Street per hour during the busy morning rush from 7.00 - 9.00 am. It has got to the point that getting on at Ware, one stop from where the train begins, it’s unlikely that a passenger will get a seat and could be standing for the full 50 minute journey every day. If the train before yours is cancelled, which is it regularly, chaos ensues. Passenger numbers have increased, ticket prices have increased, Abellio Greater Anglia must respond with increasing the number of trains. This situation is not sustainable.

The service is facing increased pressure with a growing population in the town. Over 500 flats have been built adjacent to the station in the last 15 years with no change to the frequency of trains during that period.

In their franchise submission, train operating company Abellio promised a replacement of their entire rolling stock by the end of 2020 and three trains an hour from Hertford East. The new Aventra trains are being built by Bombardier and currently undergoing high speed testing.