Thameslink Sutton to Bedford direct

[Joseph T]

I was browsing routes on Google Maps when I found out that today (1/3/2024) Thameslink services from Sutton are running directly to Bedford, but are being curtailed back to St Albans City the next day. How often does this happen, if not then why today?

 

[ctrh136]

Those services only run late at night to facilitate trains / crew going to the depot at Bedford.

 

[John Webb]

I was browsing routes on Google Maps when I found out that today (1/3/2024) Thameslink services from Sutton are running directly to Bedford, but are being curtailed back to St Albans City the next day. How often does this happen, if not then why today?

The 'Sutton Loop' services normally only run to the turn-back siding at St Albans City station, so the extension to Bedford is the unusual feature. Besides assisting train crews there is no doubt a need to service units and switch them round - there are two sets of carriage sidings at Bedford used by Thameslink trains for this purpose.