SLOWER, more overcrowded trains and longer waits for connections could be the future for Silverlink commuters in St Albans, when the major West Coast Main Line upgrade gets under way.
Members of the Abbey Flyer Users' Group (Abfly) fear Virgin Train's massive modernisation programme will mean Silverlink loses fast train slots between Watford and London.
The move also dashes hopes for a direct service between St Albans and Euston.
Committee member Robert Bolt said: "As we understand it, Virgin will take all the fast paths.
"We have been hoping to get trains running all the way from St Albans to Euston but that looks to be threatened by the planned West Coast Main Line upgrade.
"At the moment Virgin and Silverlink share the fast paths, with two each, running each way.
"The other concern is how many Virgin trains will stop at Watford or will they stop at Milton Keynes because it has a bigger car park?"
Commuters living in the south side of St Albans may be forced to use the already over-crowded Thameslink service from the city station to get into London, although it is not within walking distance for many.
However, Dennis Lovett, Virgin's deputy director of corporate affairs, claims the project is "a wonderful opportunity" for the Abbey Flyer branch line, which runs between St Albans and Watford.
The upgrade will include building 401 miles of new rail between Glasgow and London, incorporating new stops and a faster service.
Mr Lovett added: "This gives the branch line a chance to feed into Watford and take passengers from Watford onto the Abbey Flyer.
"The relationship between Silverlink and Virgin will be that we are working side by side."
Mr Lovett was due to discuss plans and answer concerns from Abfly members at a meeting in Bricket Wood last night (Wednesday).
Abfly is also calling for a double track to be built at Bricket Wood station, allowing twice as many trains to run along the line. However, the recent collapse of Railtrack means these calls may not be answered in the near future.
October 25, 2001 19:11
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article