Rail bosses have committed to running longer trains through Watford from June to ease the commuter squeeze.

A new timetable will be introduced from June 2 to provide more room on the most congested services that pass through Watford Junction, London Northwestern Railway (LNR) has promised.

Initially, most of the extra capacity is coming from a temporary deployment using three-carriage Class 730/0 West Midlands Railway branded stock, forming six or nine carriage trains and already having significantly more capacity than the existing fleet.

From autumn, completed LNR branded five-carraige730/2 trains are set to be rolled and will further increase capacity as they join the fleet. Exact routes have not yet been confirmed, but LNR has committed to getting the better and longer trains through Watford Junction and Bushey.

Journeys getting more room from June 2 include three Saturday services that passenger data shows are among the busiest (1.33pm Watford Junction to Euston, 3.38pm Watford Junction to Birmingham New Street, and 10.37pm London Euston to Watford Junction and then Northampton) which will run with 12 carriages instead of eight.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor, and Liberal Democrat councillors Ian Stotesbury and Kennedy Rodrigues, met with LNR managers on April 17.

Watford Observer: (Left to right) Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Watford mayor Peter Taylor, deputy mayor Aga Dychton, Cllr Kennedy Rodrigues.(Left to right) Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Watford mayor Peter Taylor, deputy mayor Aga Dychton, Cllr Kennedy Rodrigues. (Image: Watford Lib Dems)

The mayor said: “I am often contacted by passengers who are frustrated by unreliable and overcrowded train services.

“I am pleased that London Northwestern recognise that things need to improve and are committed to increasing the capacity on the services between Watford and London this year.

“It is really important that we see these improvements as soon as possible so that there is far less overcrowding on local train services.”

Watford Observer: LNR 730 train under construction.LNR 730 train under construction. (Image: LNR)Watford Labour councillor Matt Turmaine also welcomed the good news for the area’s “long-suffering” commuters, but added more needs to be done.

“Britain’s rail industry has been crying out for certainty and a long-term procurement strategy so it can plan ahead for future improvements to the network for many years,” the parliamentary candidate said.

“The constant chopping and changing of plans for rail investment puts projects at risk and could lead to job losses, endless delays and budget overspends.

“It will fall to a Labour government to implement a long-term rail procurement strategy.”

Watford Observer: Matt Turmaine outside Watford Junction.Matt Turmaine outside Watford Junction. (Image: Watford Labour)

Update: Watford's Conservative MP Dean Russell also had one of his regular meetings with LNR on Wednesday April 24. He raised residents issues with repeat cancellations and booked a further meeting with Network Rail.

“Increased capacity is always welcome news, particularly as peak-time services have been very busy recently," Mr Russell added.

“However, as I always make clear to LNR when we meet, they need to run a service that is consistent and one that passengers can rely on.

“More capacity on the trains is great news but the trains also need to run on time for passengers to feel the benefit and I will continue to raise this point in my meetings with LNR.”

The MP also passed on questions submitted to him by constituents in writing. LNR responses to each are due to be posted on Dean Russell's Facebook page soon. 

The existing stock, Class 350, holds 387 people per four carriages, while a three-carriage Class 730/0 holds 546 and a five-carriage Class 730/2 holds 633 (totals include standing and seated passengers).