News Release

27th February 2003

LICHFIELD COMMUTERS SAY BIRMINGHAM TRAIN SERVICE STILL UNRELIABLE

Following the Government's decision to allow train operators to reduce their services "in order to improve the reliability of their timetables" according to Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling, angry Lichfield commuters have contacted Michael Fabricant telling him that the reduced service between Lichfield and Birmingham remains as unreliable as ever. A furious Michael Fabricant has now contacted Centro Trains demanding an explanation.

Lichfield resident, Mrs Suzy Ritchie-Kennedy, commutes daily to Birmingham for her work. She depends on a reliable train service. But she contacted Michael Fabricant saying: "The service since the new timetable has, if anything, got worse. Last week I caught the 4.45 p.m. train from University to Lichfield City, it got as far as New Street and was terminated. The next two trains only went as far as Four Oaks and Blake Street. When passengers asked for information they were told, quite rudely, 'Not my problem - ask the controller'. The next train came 40 minutes later.

"On Wednesday this week the 4.45 p.m. only went as far as Blake Street again. The next train, scheduled for Trent Valley was terminated at Lichfield City which meant that passengers travelling to Trent Valley would have caught three trains!

"This is no way to run a railway service. The main problem that needs to be explored is the constant problem we have with trains being terminated before they reach Lichfield. This problem is caused by the terms of the Charter which will fine Centro if they do not get back to New Street on time. Passengers come second every time! Passengers travelling further than Blake Street have to pay over £200 extra on their rail pass, often for a reduced service." adds Mrs Ritchie-Kennedy.