ONLY 63 per cent of services on the Thameslink line ran on time during the last performance period – and 12 per cent were cancelled. The damning figures, released this week by transport watchdog London TravelWatch, were despite the operator running on a r

ONLY 63 per cent of services on the Thameslink line ran on time during the last performance period - and 12 per cent were cancelled.

The damning figures, released this week by transport watchdog London TravelWatch, were despite the operator running on a reduced timetable due to the drivers' dispute.

Months of chaos had been caused by the drivers refusing to work overtime or on rest days due to a row over pay but a new pay deal was agreed last week.

The recent sub-zero weather also caused major problems on the line and some trains remained out of action after being damaged by ice and snow.

Despite reassurances that services would get back to normal this week, track and signalling problems have caused further delays and cancellations on the line.

TravelWatch has met with transport minister Chris Mole to demand action over FCC's failures.

Chair Sharon Grant said: "We relayed to the minister the frustrations of passengers using FCC services, and pressed him to consider performance against the services FCC is contracted to provide. The picture is a far from healthy one, and passengers have been badly let down for many weeks."

She added: "We expect the Department of Transport now to bring all pressure to bear on FCC to improve performance quickly. Passengers have suffered enough and deserve better than the uncertainty they have had to contend with lately."

TravelWatch's next board meeting will be held on January 26 at 9.30am and will discuss how the transport companies coped in the recent adverse weather conditions.

Members of the public are invited to attend and share their experiences. Visit www.londontravelwatch.org.uk for further details.