Barnet Thameslink Service Most Overcrowded
A Thameslink route serving the borough was the most congested train service in England and Wales last autumn.
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A Thameslink train service that runs through Barnet has been identified as the most overcrowded in England and Wales during autumn 2025. The route, operating between Bedford and Three Bridges, recorded a load factor of 176% at London St Pancras shortly after 8:00 AM. This figure indicates the extent to which trains were filled beyond their normal capacity.
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Despite the significant congestion on this specific Thameslink service, overall overcrowding on commuter trains serving major English and Welsh cities saw a slight reduction. This marks the first decrease since 2020, attributed by the Department for Transport (DfT) to an increase in train capacity. Data from the DfT indicates that only 1.1% of peak-time travellers were on services deemed overcrowded, affecting an average of 16,800 passengers daily.
The figures were compiled from passenger counts taken on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between September and December 2025, representing a typical autumn weekday. The DfT stated that seating capacity has increased by 4% over the past year and that work is ongoing to address specific pinch points during peak hours.
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A spokesperson for Thameslink commented that its trains are designed with ample standing room for busy commuter routes. The company stated it continuously monitors service usage and makes adjustments to provide more space. In recent years, train lengths on some busy Bedford to London services have been increased, and an additional peak-time service has been introduced to offer more options and capacity.
Other services also featured in the top ten most congested trains. A West Midlands service from London Euston to Crewe had a load factor of 170%, and a Transport for Wales service from Bridgend to Rhymney recorded 161%. South Western Railway services also appeared multiple times in the list, with one service from Alton to London Waterloo showing a load factor of 159%.
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