An ongoing issue of concern for commuters including myself is the way in which Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which includes both Southern and Thameslink services, continue to let down passengers.
In January I attended a meeting of the South East Quadrant Taskforce.
This was set up by the Rail Minister, Claire Perry MP, in response to increasing frustration from Members of Parliament regarding the sub-standard service provided to local passengers.
I was glad to speak on behalf of Crawley commuters to the Rail Minister as well as executives from Network Rail and GTR. We are all tired of hearing the same old excuses from the rail executives. The constant disruption to passengers from Crawley and around the South East is not acceptable.
I also note that the House of Commons Transport Select Committee have been asked to undertake an inquiry into the performance of Southern rail services and I look forward to speaking about this option with parliamentary colleagues.
While I accept that there are going to be some delays during improvement and infrastructure investment works, they are currently happening on an all-too-frequent basis – which delays people getting to and from work.
Earlier this month, a deal was announced between the Department for Transport and Transport for London to work together to create a more joined-up service for commuters.
I have asked the Transport Secretary to update me with information regarding how this may affect Crawley passengers in the years ahead.
Additionally, this partnership between the DFT and TFL will allow local authorities, as well as local enterprise partnerships and other local bodies inside and outside London, to have an input in the way services are planned and specified. I have also requested information on these issues, specifically how authorities and groups in Crawley may be able to have a say.
These proposals would see rail services that operate mostly or wholly within the Greater London boundary transferred to Transport for London when the current franchises are due for renewal.
This could include inner suburban rail services from stations including London Bridge, Victoria and Waterloo.
Many Thameslink passengers and London commuters will be aware of the developments around King’s Cross station in recent years. The Government recently announced that they are selling its shares in these projects for £371 million, which will go towards eliminating the UK’s deficit.
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