Watford North railway station

Watford North railway station serves the North Watford area of Watford in Hertfordshire, England. It is the first station on the Abbey Line 1.2 km (¾ of a mile) north east of Watford Junction. Originally opened in October 1910 as 'Callowland', the station was built to serve a developing residential and industrial area which still thrives today. The service is known locally as the Abbey Flyer, and the line has its own user's group, known as Abfly, which campaigns to maintain and improve the line, which is very popular with local residents.

Service
Currently there is a 45-minute service in either direction Monday to Saturday, hourly on Sundays. The railway is the quickest way to get between Watford and St Albans, taking only 16 minutes.

Future
In November 2007 responsibility for this branch line, including Watford North station, passed from Silverlink trains to Govia London Midland trains. Possible changes on the line include new means of buying tickets, and the restoration of a passing loop at Bricket Wood, which would facilitate a 30-minute train service.

Plans were announced in October 2009 for the Abbey Line to be converted to light rail operation by 2011. Under the proposals, the line and stations would be leased to Hertfordshire County Council who would run a tram-train service from Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey. Longer-term proposals envisage the extension of the light rail service into St Albans city centre, possibly as far as St Albans City railway station.