MP calls for improvements to train services (From Times Series)

MP calls for improvements to train services

10:43am Friday 12th February 2010

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HERTSMERE MP James Clappison MP has stated First Capital Connect’s franchise could be put into question if improvements are not made soon.

Mr Clappison (Conservative) talked to commuters for the Meet the Manager session on Wednesday evening clutching a wad of letters and emails sent to him by constituents.

He said: “The letters and emails are from people who are very angry about the reduction of trains to the timetable.

“Commuters pay a lot of money for their tickets and so clearly want to see better services. There have been a number of complaints on the service’s lack of reliability and the issue over compensation.

“As a commuter myself I especially want to see a big improvement to the line. If the service doesn’t improve soon then the issue of whether the company should be stripped of its franchise can be questioned.”

Mr Clappison last month signed a motion in the House of Commons calling for the train company to guarantee an improved service and to make appropriate compensation to passengers.

The Early Day Motion, tabled by fellow Conservative MP Andrew Selous and signed by 31 MPs, calls on transport secretary Lord Adonis to ensure “improved service levels are met and enforced” by the train company.