Upgrades planned to improve local rail reliability

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 11^th MARCH 2026

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, has welcomed a commitment from Network Rail to invest in installing a backup secondary signalling system across a key stretch of the local commuter line from Blackfriars to Farringdon.

Since being elected Strathern has regularly engaged with Network Rail, train operators and the Department for Transport to challenge what he believes to be unacceptable reliability issues affecting local rail users from Hitchin and Arlesey stations in his constituency.

Over recent years, the absence of a back up signalling system on the Blackfriars to Farringdon stretch of rail services has meant individual rail signal failures have led to significant service disruptions, including being behind much of the significant disruption seen in December.

Having raised the need for action on this vulnerability across several meetings since he was elected, Strathern has welcomed commitments now received from Network Rail to invest in crucial back up capacity.

Once installed, the secondary signalling system will overlay on top of the existing signalling system between Blackfriars and Faringdon and ensure that if one system fails, a backup is available, reducing significantly the risk of significant disruption arising.

The installation is scheduled to take place during summer engineering windows, and Network Rail has indicated that major disruption to customers is not expected while the work is carried out.

The upcoming works form part of an ongoing programme aimed at improving performance, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting smoother operations on the Thameslink network.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“Unreliable local rail services simply haven’t been good enough for all who rely on them.

“All too often a big driver of recent disruptions has been signalling failures.

“Having pressed Network Rail, Thameslink and Ministers to act, I am glad that this welcome and much needed investment has now been green lit.

“I will be working closely with them to make sure these works happen efficiently and with as little disruption as possible.

“I won’t pretend there isn’t more to do, but this upgrade is a welcome step forwards to delivering the reliable rail service my community deserves.”