Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is the Abbey Flyer?
The Abbey Flyer is a train service
that runs every 45 minutes between St Albans Abbey and Watford
Junction stations on Mondays to Saturdays. On Sundays, the service
is hourly.
Where
does it stop?
All trains stop at Watford Junction,
Watford North, Garston, Bricket Wood, How Wood, Park Street and
St Albans Abbey. See our Route Guide
page for further information about each station, its location
and facilities available.
How
do I buy a ticket?
The Abbey Flyer is a 'pay-train'.
This means you can board
the train at any station and buy
a ticket from the onboard conductor. If you have not been able
to purchase a ticket by the time you get to Watford Junction,
you can buy one at the excess fare window.
Can
I buy a season ticket?
Yes, you can buy a weekly season
ticket from the onboard conductor. However, season tickets for
longer periods must be bought from the Watford Junction booking
office.
Can
I use credit or debit cards on the train?
Yes, conductors will accept cash,
credit or debit cards.
How
long does the journey take?
The journey takes 16 minutes from
end to end. Click here for full
timetable information.
What
modes of transport can I use to get to the station?
Abbey Line stations are well located
within the areas they serve and are easily reachable on foot or
by bike. There is limited parking available at St Albans Abbey,
Park Street and Bricket Wood and a large car park at Watford Junction.
St Albans Abbey, Watford Junction,
Watford North and Garston stations are all served by Intalink
bus services, which means a PlusBus ticket will cover the bus
and train. See the Intalink
website for further details.
Is
the Abbey Line accessible to those with mobility problems?
Some of the Abbey Line stations
have a large stepping distance down from the train, but a call
will allow us to make sure that a member of staff is available,
with a portable access ramp if necessary.
If you need such assistance, please
contact the London Midland Assisted Travel Team, giving atleast
24 hours notice where possible:
Tel: 08706 09 60 60
Textphone: 08457 07 80 51
Fax: 0121 654 1234
E-mail: comments@londonmidland.com
How
much does it cost?
See our Fares
page. For further information, refer to www.nationalrail.co.uk
or call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950.
What
is a carnet ticket?
A carnet
is a book of 10 single tickets for travel between Watford Junction
and St Albans Abbey (in either direction). You could save up to
35% on the cost of 10 equivalent single fares if you buy a carnet,
which can be bought in advance for travel on any day, at any time.
You can buy these carnets at selected
local outlets, at the Watford Junction booking office, but not
on the train itself. The product is currently on trial pending
a possible further extension to intermediate journeys on the Abbey
Line.
Are
there walks near the stations?
Yes, there are four specially-created
walks that centre on Abbey Line stations. See our Walks
page for further details.
How
many people use the Abbey Line?
About 475,000 journeys are made
on the Abbey Line each year. And these numbers are growing. Yet
you can always find a seat on the train. Join us!
Is
it safe?
Every train has a driver, a guard
and a conductor. There is a help point at every station that connects
you directly to a person at Watford Junction. Stations are well
lit and mostly adjacent to housing.
Is
it reliable?
The Abbey Line has one of the
highest reliability rates in the country. The average PPM (Public
Performance Measure) for the year up to March 2007 was 97.2%,
compared to 88.1% for the country as a whole over the same period.
Where
else can I go once I get to Watford Junction?
The destinations from Watford
Junction include London Euston, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Birmingham,
Liverpool, Gatwick, Brighton, Clapham Junction and even the Highlands
of Scotland! See our Connections
page for further details of operators serving Watford Junction.
Can
I get to/from St Albans City Station from St Albans Abbey station?
It is about a 20 minute walk between
the two stations, or 7-10 minutes by bike. For a map of the walking
/ cycling route (avoiding Holywell Hill), click here.
Alternatively, the S1 bus serves
both stations, or you could order a taxi at the station to meet
you.
What
is ABFLY?
ABFLY- The Abbey Flyer Users Group,
is a voluntary organisation that represents users of the line.
It is also an important constituent of the Community Rail Partnership.
You can visit their website at www.abfly.org.uk
for more information.
What
is the CRP?
The Community Rail Partnership
is comprised of local government, businesses, community groups
and the Train Operating Company. Its goal is to promote and therefore
increase the number of passengers using the line. For further
information, click here.
Do
Penalty Fares apply on the Abbey Line?
Penalty Fares DO NOT apply on the Abbey Line.
However, if you try to proceed beyond Watford Junction on to the
mainline without purchasing the correct ticket, you may be liable
for a fine.
When
are cheap day returns valid on the line?
Cheap Day Returns are valid for travel on the
Abbey Line at any time on the weekend, Bank Holidays, or on weekdays
starting with 09:46 service from Watford Junction to St Albans
Abbey. Fares may be different if you have a rail card, purchase
a group saver, are a child or purchase a single. For details please
ask the conductor or booking office staff.
Any
further questions? Please contact the
Community Rail Officer |