MPs’ fury at Thameslink chaos as commuters left stranded

MPs attacked First Capital Connect and union bosses for leaving thousands of commuters stranded today due to a driver shortage on Thameslink trains.

FCC cancelled 200 out of 400 services, used by more than 200,000 passengers. It warned there was no end in sight to the disruption.

The drivers, members of the Aslef union, are involved in a pay dispute and are refusing to work rest days or overtime.

FCC, like several other operators, relies on overtime to run the full service.

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said: "The action by drivers on FCC is highly regrettable given that talks are continuing." He added: "train companies need to ensure their staffing arrangements are robust so they can not be held to ransom."

Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat transport spokesman, said: "People will be horrified to learn so much of the timetable only works [if] drivers turn up voluntarily. Unions must recognise that getting the public on board with their cause will not happen if they are left stranded on railway platforms."

With the result of a ballot on industrial action due on 9 December, an all-out strike could start on 16 December. A spokesman for FCC apologised for the cancellations.