Following my recent meeting with the GTR CEO and management team, I requested that they provide me as soon as possible an explanation of the ongoing disruption that I could pass on to my constituents. I felt (and feel) that GTR are failing to keep customers informed as to the underlying issues that are causing the chaotic service. This letter, and a recent letter I received from the Rail Minister can be found here: Although, as the GTR letter states, there have been underlying service issues with Southern, it is clear that the abysmal service of late is a result of the ongoing dispute between the management and Unions in response to GTR's proposed changes to the role of on-board conductors. There has been a massive increase in "sickness" with 1 in 6 conductors off for at least one day and ultimately, it is passengers who have suffered. I have been reassured by GTR that there will be no pay cuts nor job losses as a result of their proposed changes. We need the dispute ended and ended quickly but in the meantime GTR owe it to the passengers to keep them informed as to what is happening and why. I have told GTR that they should be conducting public meetings in Horsham to at least give their passengers, who pay so much the opportunity to hear first hand what is going on and ask questions direct. I have also asked the Transport Secretary what powers he and the company have to ensure the service is maintained. I am yet to call for GTR to lose the franchise because I don't want more disruption added to an already dire situation but clearly this cannot carry on.