Post-EU referendum and with future Conservative and Labour leadership machinations, Westminster is an interesting place right now but I have sought to focus on issues that matter every day to Crawley constituents. I am writing this column ahead of a meeting with the General Secretary of the RMT union regarding the ongoing disruption on the Southern and Thameslink lines – both of which are operated by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).
While I have been meeting with GTR’s management and the Transport Secretary, I also wanted to meet with union leaders to put directly to them the concerns I have been raising on behalf of passengers.
RMT strikes – and the continued levels of staff ‘sickness’ causing further unnecessary disruption – add to the misery caused by GTR. Both sides need to work together to resolve this for the good of customers and spend less time attacking each other.
I am looking forward to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee taking evidence from the Chief Operating Officer of GTR as part of its ‘Improving the Rail Passenger Experience’ inquiry.
In anticipation of this week’s hearing, I submitted a selection of emails from Crawley residents regarding our frustrations concerning the sub-service provided by GTR. I have also been assured that this correspondence will be passed on to the MPs on the Transport Select Committee.
While I welcomed £26 million of investment at Three Bridges, and the opening of the Thameslink traincare facility at the same station last year, as well as new, longer trains now coming into service, it goes without saying that alongside other local MPs I continue to work with the Government and GTR to ensure a better service is provided.
Last month, I ironically very nearly missed a meeting with GTR executives because of delays on their service – I am well aware that this is something that occurs all too frequently for many Crawley commuters.