Train drivers’ action cuts Thameslink services by half

More than 200,000 Thameslink commuters face further weeks of chaos because train drivers are refusing to work overtime or on their rest days.

Operator First Capital Connect has introduced an emergency Monday-to-Friday timetable but warned it could be changed.

Up to 200 of its usual 400 daily services are being axed, including between Bedford, Luton, London, Sutton, Wimbledon and Brighton. Passengers at St Pancras station today told of their anger.

Susan King, 38, a business manager from Harpenden, said: "All last week it took me two hours to get home instead of 45 minutes. It is a complete hassle."

Trains through London may be cut from 24 to 20 an hour as the Government seeks to save £750million. It has denied this. Drivers' union Aslef has ordered a strike ballot over pay.