Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of passenger rail performance in (a) Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency and (b) Hertfordshire.

Performance in the area has been challenging in recent months, affected by a range of issues including points failures, train faults and external trespass and fatality incidents affecting Thameslink services operated by Govia Thameslink Railway. However, there is an improving trend in service delay and cancellations with continued monitoring and challenge of the train operator and Network Rail by my Department.

Ongoing upgrade works on the Midline Main Line overhead power lines will help improve reliability. Department officials continue to monitor performance against contractual targets and will ensure appropriate action is taken to address any emerging issues.