New Platforms at Waterloo & Longer Trains

“Two steps forward, but we need to check the price” - Davey

The prospect of less overcrowding on local commuter trains came a bit nearer this week, following a campaign victory for Kingston and Surbiton’s Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey.

Following questions he raised in the House and a private Commons meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport, Ruth Kelly, it was confirmed formally that two platforms from Waterloo International would be converted for domestic passenger use by December 2008, and that the remaining 8 carriage trains into Waterloo would become 10 carriage trains from 2012. Commenting, Edward Davey said:

“This is excellent news for all commuters from Kingston and Surbiton who have to suffer the cattle truck experience of the peak hour service.

“As a daily commuter myself, I know how packed some of the peak hour trains can be and the prospect of more platforms and longer trains now looks like a reality.

“I have asked for more details of the Government’s plans, and been promised a further meeting in the Autumn, when the Minister hopes to have completed more work on the background.


“My main concern remains how much the Government will ask local rail passengers to pay. Local train fares have already gone up too fast. If Ministers want to put more of the burden on commuters that will be unacceptable.”
 
ENDS

1. Edward Davey MP speaking in the House of Commons on 24 July 2007

Mr. Edward Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) (LD): Can the Secretary of State confirm that the works to convert platforms at Waterloo International for domestic use by December 2008 will now go ahead under these plans? Can she also confirm that her Department will now press ahead urgently with the feasibility studies that are required into all other options at Waterloo and its approach routes, to remove all bottlenecks to the use of longer trains, which is the only way to remove the overcrowding suffered by so many on London suburban routes?

Ruth Kelly: I can tell the hon. Gentleman that Waterloo is identified as one of the railway stations in London that need significant infrastructure to enhance their capacity. He mentions the feasibility options that could enhance that further. I think it is right that we take time to consider those. I am very happy to meet him to discuss them if that would be useful.