28.6.2000

"Train services must improve under the next franchise" - Davey.

Local MP lobbies Rail Authority on behalf of Kingston's commuters

Kingston & Surbiton's Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey, has written to Mike Grant, Chief Executive of the Strategic Rail Authority this week asking for urgent service improvements from whoever wins the franchise currently held by South West Trains.   This franchise is due to expire in the coming months and the closing date for franchise bids from companies wanting to run these services is the end of July.  Using the information he has received from local residents who replied to his Borough-wide survey, Mr Davey has asked for improved services and targets to be integrated into the new contract.

The three areas identified by Edward Davey and local residents as being most in need of improvement are the frequency & reliability of train services, prices and accessibility.

Edward Davey said,

"Many residents have told me that local train services are just not up to scratch.  I travel to the Commons from Surbiton Station most days, so I know only too well when the trains don't run on time.

"The Strategic Rail Authority will soon determine who is to run our trains for the next years.  It's a key decision affecting all local people, so I want to make sure the Authority awards the franchise to a firm contractually committed to major service improvements.

"My recent major survey of local people included questions on local train services to ensure my representation was informed by their views.

"If our community is to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion, we will all need to use the railways more often.  Given the relatively poor levels of service and unreliability of trains at the moment, this will not happen unless there is major improvement.

"In my submission I have highlighted the needs of disabled people in particular who need much greater access to local stations and trains.

"Therefore, I hope the Strategic Rail Authority takes on board the views of local people.  Any firm that wins this franchise must provide the investment required to address these problems, including improved accessibility at many of the Borough's stations.  With these improvements, it should help to ensure that as many people as possible, can and do use rail as a regular means of transport."