A train company has promised the under-fire Thameslink service will be prioritised over rail freight trains in the new timetables.

St Albans MP Anne Main announced that Govia had “assured” her that the Thameslink passenger service “will have priority on the line over freight trains” when the new timetables are drawn up in 2018.

Passengers have criticised service delays, driver shortages and mechanical problems on the service.

Ms Main said: “Whilst many of the difficulties with delays are outside of Govia’s control, particularly coming from London Bridge, they were very frank about the challenges they face.

“Govia has assured me that over the next few months, new trains and more drivers will lead to a better service.

“When the annual usage is nearing 7-and-a-half million and things go wrong, there can be a big impact on passenger services.

“And when people are paying through the nose to commute, they rightly expect a fast and reliable service. Hopefully the changes coming down the line in the near future will lead to better experiences for the St Albans commuters.”