Oliver has met with executives from Govia Thameslink to push for improvements to Elstree & Borehamwood Station and raise his concerns over the state of the service since the start of the emergency timetable on 15 July.

Following previous discussions with the Transport Secretary, Oliver met with Thameslink’s Director of Customer Services, Mr Jerome Pacette, and Elstree & Borehamwood Station Manager, Mr Hilton Matereke. Speaking afterward, Oliver said: ‘Thameslink passengers have put up with an appalling service for months. While some progress has finally been made, there is still a huge amount of work to do. The emergency schedule means we are still way off the timetable that was promised in May with unacceptable gaps at crucial peak times.

‘In my meeting, and separate letter to the Chief Executive, I made clear that the original timetable must be delivered as soon as possible. It is the least long suffering passengers deserve.

‘Alongside this, I also pressed them on what work is being done to improve the station itself. The building was originally built to serve a population a third the size of today’s and is no longer fit for purpose. The overcrowding at peak times is unacceptable and it is ludicrous that it takes up to ten minutes to just get out of the station once you arrive.

‘A complete overhaul is needed and this is something I will be campaigning for over the coming months.’