How often is Thameslink delayed?

[karmi2010]

I am considering moving to an area on the Thameslink route (haven't decided where yet, main contenders are St Albans and Sutton at the moment) as I need to commute to Chancery Lane area. Getting to either of Blackfriars, City Thameslink or Farringdon wold work perfectly well for me, but I've heard various stories about Thameslink being constantly delayed or cancelled - is this true? Also, does anyone know if I'd be able to get a seat if getting on at Sutton, Carshalton or St Albans stations around 8am in the morning?
Thanks a lot!

[zolaaa]

I live further out but pass through St. Albans. I think you'd be very lucky to get a seat at that time though as I'm sure people often struggle from harpenden. I don't think they're too bad for delays in mornings but I get a different service home so not sure about that leg.

[Svalberg]

The 06:40 Sutton to Wimbledon certainly can't be relied on. Getting a bus to Wimbledon is, percentage wise, the better option in my experience.

[LBOCS2]

They're not terrible, the main problem is that they're only about every 30 minutes so if one is delayed or cancelled it really messes up your plans to get there at a certain time.

[PatronSaintOfNothing]

Don't do it. I'm not exaggerating to say one of the biggest mistakes of my life was moving to somewhere that relies on Southern and Thameslink to get me to work.

[Andagainandagainandagain]

At the moment it is much worse for stations South of the city. Hopefully it should improve once the London Bridge works are completed in 2018 with more regular trains, shorter journeys and maybe less delays/overcrowding. You have to be prepared for it being painful until then though.

[EssentialHummus]

I don't think this is your branch, but just in case: DP uses it from Crofton Park (S. London). The options seem to be 1) Train on time, 2) Train on time but 4 carriages instead of 8 --> sardine-can 3) Train delayed, delayed then eventually cancelled, 4) Train cancelled a few minutes ahead of scheduled time.

2,3 or 4 happen twice a week.

[karmi2010]

Thanks a lot everyone! Some things for thought then... ((

[OlennasWimple]

We used to rely on that route to commute. We ended up moving, and one major reason was the poor reliability (yet high cost) of the train service.

[Owllady]

Lol at being able to get a seat if getting on at st Albans!

[juneau]

Thameslink is delayed quite a lot and trains get cancelled pretty regularly too. You won't get a seat from St Albans at 8am on the fast train - its strictly standing sardines only - but if you get the slower, stopping service you can.