Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what action she is taking to increase capacity on Thameslink services.

All train operators, including the operator of Thameslink services, are required to plan services and timetables to meet current and future passenger demand while providing value for money. The operator’s long-term demand modelling considers growth arising from the proposed Universal Studios development in Bedfordshire, Luton Airport expansion and planned housing. It is working with Network Rail and local partners to develop business cases for the timetable, rolling stock and infrastructure improvements required to increase capacity. Great British Railways’ directing-mind function will also support the coherent development of future services and timetables across the network.