Call For Urgent Action On Local Rail Services

21.12.01

Edward Davey, Lib Dem MP for Kingston & Surbiton, is leading a cross-party appeal seeking urgent improvements to local rail services after recent difficulties.

Mr.Davey has written to the new Chair of the Strategic Rail Authority concerning the South West Trains franchise. Fellow MPs Ian Taylor (Conservative, Esher & Walton) and Tony Colman (Labour, Putney) were co-signatories of the letter.

"Railtrack going into administration has led to greater uncertainty about the future of our rail service," said Mr.Davey. "My parliamentary colleagues and I are seeking reassurances from the Strategic Rail Authority that there will be no delay or negative effect on the franchise negotiations with SWT."

"Train passengers are justly frustrated by the conditions they face daily, and we need long-term stability to make a positive impact on the situation. The replacement of old trains, increases in capacity and the refurbishment of inadequate stations are vital and could be achieved quickly under the guidance of the Strategic Rail Authority"

The three MPs have asked to meet Richard Bowker, the Chair of the SRA, to put to further discuss constituents' concerns and the way forward.

Letter from Edward Davey MP, Ian Taylor MP and Tony Colman MP

Richard Bowker
Strategic Rail Authority
55 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0EU

20th December 2001



May we take this opportunity first to congratulate you on your recent appointment to the role of Chair of the Strategic Rail Authority. Having read some of your comments in the media recently, we hoped that we might be able to raise an important issue to the front of your agenda.

Since Spring 2001, we have been under the impression that Stagecoach was in a preferred bidder status for the South West Trains franchise. While we have had occasions to criticise SWT and Stagecoach for their current performance, we all broadly welcomed the investment plans they were pursuing, and the certainty an extended franchise would bring. Our grave concern is that since that announcement 9 months ago, we have had no assurance that the franchise extension will take place.

Given the recent Administration Order placed upon Railtrack, and its longer term funding crisis, there seems to be some doubt about the deliverability of all the promises that were made in the franchise. We would therefore welcome confirmation from the Strategic Rail Authority that you will ensure that:

* The SWT franchise and the investment proposed within it are given priority in your strategic plan

* The Administration Order and the associated funding issues will not delay the conclusion of the SWT franchise negotiation and will be no barrier to a franchise extension of the right length

*That the general policy of 2 year franchise extensions will not be applied to SWT

We have all been strong critics of the conditions facing rail users in our constituencies and our post bag testifies to the despair and frustration of many of our constituents. We are all agreed however, that the replacement of old trains, the increase in capacity, the refurbishment of inadequate stations, and the provision of a gold plated network with corresponding levels of performance is an absolute requirement and an important quick win that could immediately be achieved under your administration and guidance.

We would welcome any chance to sit down with you, in advance of the publication of your Strategic Plan (and in the presence of Ministers if required), to help clarify our concerns further.


Yours sincerely,



Edward Davey (Lib Dem, Kingston & Surbiton)
Ian Taylor (Cons, Esher & Walton)
Tony Colman (Labour, Putney)