Freddie van Mierlo welcomes major Chiltern Rail improvements

Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame has welcomed the announcement of significant improvements to the Chiltern Railways service, which will add 10,000 extra seats a day, a 12 per cent increase in capacity, when the new trains enter service from January.

The improvements were unveiled at a launch event in London Marylebone last month, where Chiltern Railways showcased their newest trains, part of a long term plan to improve reliability, comfort and capacity across the network.

Freddie has been actively pressing for investment and capacity upgrades on the line. Earlier this year, in February, he met with Chiltern Railways officials at Haddenham & Thame Parkway station to highlight the need for additional capacity and better resilience on a line that serves thousands of daily commuters across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, including many residents in Thame.

Last November, Freddie also raised local concerns about overcrowding, service reliability and the need for a sustainable long term investment plan for Chiltern Rail with the Minister for Transport.

The new trains are expected to begin running on the Chiltern Main Line from January, with improved seating, accessibility and sustainability features.

Freddie van Mierlo MP said:

“This is great news for everyone who relies on Chiltern Rail. For too long, passengers have had to put up with overcrowded trains and limited capacity. The new trains and extra seats will make a real difference for local commuters.

I have been pushing hard for this investment, including meeting Chiltern Railways at Haddenham & Thame Parkway earlier this year and raising these issues directly with the Transport Minister. I am pleased to see tangible progress, but this must only be the start. We need continued commitment to improving services and ensuring our rail network keeps pace with growing demand.”