Additional evening peak train service to stop at Hitchin

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 22^nd APRIL 2026

Hitchin rail users will benefit from an extra PM peak service from London King’s Cross.

From May 17th, the Great Northern 18:54 service from London King’s Cross to Cambridge will also call at Hitchin, providing extra capacity and a faster evening travel option for Hitchin commuters.

The change is intended to better support passengers travelling home during the busy evening peak period, responding to demand from Hitchin rail users for improved stopping patterns on fast services.

Welcoming the update, Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern, who has been pressing for extra services, said the additional stop will make a practical difference to commuters by improving choice, reducing pressure on other peak services, and making rail travel more convenient for Hitchin residents.

This follows news earlier this year that an extra peak AM service to Kings Cross would be added, serving Hitchin.

Strathern has met frequently with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to push for more services, drivers and better reliability. His train campaigning has also included pushing Network Rail and the Department for Transport for improved infrastructure like step-free access at Arlesey station and eastern station access at Hitchin.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“This additional evening peak stop is a really welcome improvement for Hitchin commuters. An extra peak train home to Hitchin from London will give people more choice and make the journey home quicker and less crowded.

“Following the extra AM service announced a few months ago, it is great to see Thameslink listening to my calls for extra capacity.

“I’ll keep making the ask for more drivers, more reliability and more rail infrastructure.”