Anne Main MP: Commuters ‘on their knees’ due to First Capital Connect shortcomings
Press Release :
12 January 2010
During a Government statement on the severe weather yesterday, Anne Main, MP for St Albans, seized the opportunity to raise the ongoing service failings on the First Capital Connect route from St Albans to London.
Following the statement, Anne said:
“My constituents are almost on their knees because of the lack of trains due to First Capital Connect. Last Thursday, not a single train stopped in St. Albans-because, I gather, the trains were washed on Wednesday evening and therefore froze. What can be done to get a better service for my constituents, who are in despair about the lack of train services from St. Albans to St. Pancras?”
Transport Minister Sadiq Khan responded:
“The example beggars belief. May I look into the specific reason for disruption on that day? Network Rail and the train operating companies have told us that the lines are open. For obvious reasons, there are reduced services and some delays. The hon. Lady's example looks like incompetence rather than a delay caused by severe weather.”
Upon leaving the chamber, Anne said:
“I was pleased that the Minister agreed to look into the disruption. My inbox has been inundated by constituents who are at the end of their tether due to the failings on the route and rumours persist about train doors frozen shut in the cold weather.
It does appear, even taking into account the drivers dispute, that we are receiving a much lower level of service than we should do. Yesterday constituents contacted me, utterly dismayed that FCC were only running 2 trains per hour between Bedford and London, and many passengers were simply being left on the platforms in freezing temperatures. It was no exaggeration to tell the Minister that people are on their knees.
I understand that last night things reached breaking point with the cancellation of all northbound services due to a faulty train in the tunnel at St Pancras. This left huge numbers of commuters stranded, facing journey times of up to four hours to get home. It is obvious the service is now in crisis.
Many constituents have asked me to further investigate the First Capital Connect franchise and I have, therefore, requested a meeting with the Rail Minister as a matter of urgency. ”
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