Safer stations, more morning rush hour services and track improvements are just some of the measures planned for the Thameslink route serving Barnet, unveiled last week.

The Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA) Strategic Plan outlined a series of short, medium and long-term measures to improve the Thameslink route, serving Elstree and Borehamwood, Mill Hill Broadway, Hendon and Cricklewood.

Work is currently underway at Hendon and Cricklewood stations to improve security, including improvements to lighting and making sure CCTV systems are working properly.

Thameslink spokesman Mike Lamport said: "If everything comes right, we should have it in the next couple of months. The main physical work has been carried out."

Negotiations are still underway between Thameslink, SRA and Railrack to increase the level of the morning rush hour service in the northern part of the route.

"There are gaps in the programme that have to be identified and the SRA has agreed this, and it does require some timetabling work, and that is down to Railtrack. We had hoped to bring this in last year.

"We are champing at the bit to do this."

Other work, such as enabling train to pass between the fast and slow lines at 50mph between Cricklewood and Radlett, is also underway.

The current Thameslink franchise expires in April 2004 when they are expected to merge with WAGN.