RAIL commuters travelling from Stevenage and to Hitchin will hopefully get a seat during the rush hour from Monday. Train operator First Capital Connect say it marks the most significant changes in timetables for at least 15 years. The most significant ch

RAIL commuters travelling from Stevenage and to Hitchin will hopefully get a seat during the rush hour from Monday.

Train operator First Capital Connect say it marks the most significant changes in timetables for at least 15 years.

The most significant changes are the introduction of two 12 carriage trains instead of the current eight carriage trains from Stevenage on the 7.36am and 7.59am service. Both trains will be non-stop to King's Cross having started at Peterborough and stopping at Huntingdon and St Neots.

Stephen McPartland speaking on behalf of the Stevenage and Knebworth Rail User Group said: "We are absolutely delighted that First Capital Connect will be providing some 12 carriage trains during the early morning peak service from Stevenage. This is a massive step forward in our campaign to reduce overcrowding on this very busy line into London of a morning.

"We have always maintained that more seating is vital for both the safety and comfort of passengers and welcome this news. We would like to see the number of 12 carriage trains extended to more services throughout the peak periods and eight carriage trains on the off peak services. This is a very important first step and we look forward to some slightly more comfortable journeys towards London."

Hitchin commuters get the benefit in the evenings with two 12 carriage trains, the 17.40 and 18.10, which will be the fast Peterborough service giving them a non-stop 23 minute journey from King's Cross back to Hitchin.

Nick Osborne, chairman of the Hitchin Rail User Group said: "More carriages means more seats so this is great news so the journey from London to Hitchin will be comfortable for a lot more commuters.