News Release

23rd September 2004

VICTORY ON THE 9:19

A howl of protest was heard from Lichfield Trent Valley railway station a few days ago from pensioners, students and others who saw a new poster in the ticket office stating that the 9.19am mid-morning train to London starting on September 27th would be full fare. The first cheap fare would not be until 3.20pm arriving in London at 5.16pm!

"This was barmy" says Michael Fabricant. When I sat down with the Strategic Rail Authority months ago to discuss the new timetable, I talked of the need for an additional direct train service from Lichfield which would arrive before lunchtime and which would be a cheap 'saver' service for those who needed to save money and didn't have to travel at peak times. The 9.19 service which arrives in London at 10.45am was added as a direct consequence of our meeting. It is therefore barking mad that this service is to be charged at full rate. This offers no choice to visitors to London; they would have to stay there overnight to attend any day time meetings or events and that costs a fortune".

Michael immediately contacted Virgin and the Strategic Rail Authority. "I emailed and wrote formally to the directors as the new timetable starts on Monday. And we have had success!" says Michael.

Charles Belcher, Managing Director of Virgin West Coast Trains has told Michael: "We have picked up this unintended consequence of the timetable change and will exercise discretion within our standard Saver restrictions to accommodate Lichfield. I do hope that your constituents like the new service".