Network Rail issues grovelling apology for Welwyn Hatfield train service

The chairman of Network Rail has issued a grovelling apology for the stuttering train service in Welwyn Hatfield.

Sir Peter Hendy, in a letter to the borough’s MP Grant Shapps, said: “Personally, on behalf of Network Rail, and on behalf of the whole railway industry, I want to express my profound apologies for our individual and collective failure to provide your constituents with a reliable train service since the new May timetable.”

He added that everyone in the rail industry “deeply regrets” the disruption caused to Welwyn Hatfield residents and their families.

“You asked me especially to seek to restore the level of service to your stations that was there before the timetable change,” said Sir Peter.

“I will ask Chris Gibb, who has been working both for the Secretary of State and now directly for GTR, to come back to you on what can be done.”

Mr Shapps tweeted: “Following the outrageous ‘passenger delay experience is merely anecdotal’ comment by @NetworkRail’s Chief Exec, the Chair got in touch with this fulsome apology to my constituents.

“I will work with him to re-establish timetable that doesn’t slash services to Welwyn Hatfield.”