May writes to Minister as decision is made on new rail franchise |
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26 October 2005
Today Local MP Theresa May wrote to Transport Minister Derek Twigg MP, stepping up pressure on the Government and the Strategic Rail Authority as they decide which of the three bidders to award the new Greater Western Franchise to. Theresa May commented; “Earlier this year I met the then Transport Minister Tony McNulty to highlight the improvements that are needed on this line. I have now written to his successor Derek Twigg, calling on him to ensure that the winning bidder for this new franchise offers real improvements to passengers from Maidenhead, Twyford and on our two branch lines. “The danger is that the Government go for the bid which is most profitable for the Treasury but delivers the worst service to local people. A continuation of the existing service is not an acceptable solution. Substantial improvements are needed over a sustained period of time. Over the last year punctuality ran at a miserable 76%. But even this figure masks the true scale of the problem, as almost all of the delays occurred to the same peak-time trains day in day out. “I was pleased to see that FGW have altered the stopping pattern of the 7:27 to ease the overcrowding for passengers getting on the train at Twyford. But the service is still far from acceptable. Both Maidenhead and Twyford deserve regular fast and semi-fast services into London. We are now at a critical period, as the decision over the new franchise has yet to be made. “If local commuters would like to contact the Minister themselves they can do so by email toDerek.Twigg@dft.gsi.gov.uk” |
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