The service on our local rail lines is completely unacceptable, a reflection of deep fundamental problems which are being addressed but also of Network Rail and the operator. I have taken every opportunity to raise this issue in the House of Commons and direct with those responsible and will continue to apply pressure until the good level of service that we all pay for is restored.
With regard to the further problems in recent weeks as a result of industrial action, I have received a statement from the Southern Rail concerning the recent episode of strike action (enclosed). I have heard "explanations" from both sides but I am acutely aware that it is those of us who use the service and pay for it that are suffering.
In March this year, I secured a Westminster Hall debate in the House of Commons concerning the performance of Govia Thameslink Railway and Network Rail. The 90 minute debate was well attended by local MPs. The Rail Minister Claire Perry attended the entirety of the debate and spoke at its conclusion.
I made clear to the Minister that all we want to see is a rail service on which passengers can get a seat and can travel reliably. I pointed out that the franchise held by "Govia Thameslink" is the largest in the network and that 'if the Minister believes it is simply too large to be efficiently managed she should not be afraid to take action'.
In replying to the debate the Rail Minister, who meets GTR and Network Rail every week for progress updates on the lines pledged to continue to bring pressure to bear. Not only is she aware of the human cost and misery associated with these rail failures but fixing Southern is the highest priority for her department as the single most effective means of improving transport productivity - a sign of how bad the situation has become. She also pledged to look again at "delay repay" and electronic ticketing as a matter of urgency. Although compensation does not make up for the lost time and inconvenience incurred as a result of the delay, she did commit to bring forward plans to ensure passengers can be compensated for any delays in excess of 15 minutes rather than 30 minutes as at present.
In January, I attended a Rail Summit in the House of Commons with the Rail Minister following the abysmal service over the Christmas period where we demanded that GTR and Network Rail produce definitive plans and timetables for improvement on which they can be held accountable. In addition, I have written to and met with representatives from GTR on numerous occasions and will continue to represent the views of my constituents direct with the train operator.
I acknowledge that a huge amount of investment (£6bn) is being put in to the line and London Bridge Station in particular and that the new Class 700 trains are coming in to service and over 250 new drivers are in training. However, we need to hear less about inputs and more about output. Huge pressure is being placed on all of those responsible to deliver improvements not just in the longer term but for today's customers. I cannot promise that all will be fixed in short-order because previous assurances have not been met but those responsible are in no doubt that there will be consequences if they fail to secure rapid improvements in the service.