MP CALLS FOR AN END TO RAIL FRANCHISE 'GUESSING GAME'

17.10.01

"Local Commuters have waited too long"

Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, is urging the Chief Executive of the SRA (Strategic Rail Authority) to make a definite decision on the SWT (South West Train) Franchise bid and not to use the Railtrack fiasco as an excuse for yet more delays.

A new 20 year franchise is being negotiated between the SRA and SWT who previously won preferred bidder status for local train services. However, the negotiations have stalled badly and therefore much needed investment and improvements could be delayed. The new franchise promises considerable investment to solve reliability and capacity problems with the introduction of new longer trains and extended platforms. Plans for the renewed SWT franchise also include £1.6m on improving Surbiton station.

Edward Davey said,

" These negotiations must be concluded as a matter of urgency. They have already gone on too long. The uncertainty over Railtrack must not be used as an excuse to delay still further.

"Like many fellow commuters, I am fed up with the current level of service and vast improvements are long overdue. Both parties must now concluded their negotiations for the benefit of us all.

"People are understandably sceptical about SWT's ability to deliver. Yet since SWT are now preferred bidders it's better these negotiations are concluded soon, so we can hold SWT to their legal promises to improve services."