News Release

28th January 2009

RELIABILITY OF TRAIN SERVICE

Michael Fabricant initiated a debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday 27th January with Geoff Hoon MP, the Secretary of State for Transport, over the reliability of the new West Coast Mainline Service during January and took the opportunity to invite the Secretary of State to the next dinner of the Lichfield Commuters Club to answer the concerns of local rail travellers face to face.

"Whatever the banter beforehand, the Secretary of State unwisely agreed so we must invite him formally" says Michael Fabricant. "It could be an interesting and fun meeting! There are many questions local commuters have regarding the standards, frequency, and reliability of the Lichfield to London train service."

The text of the discussion as taken from Hansard follows:-

Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con): What recent estimate he has made of the cost to the economy of disruption on the west coast main line over the new year period; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Geoff Hoon): Network Rail has apologised to passengers and businesses for the disruption on the west coast main line over the new year period, which was the result of separate incidents. Disruption on the railway does have economic consequences, which is why we are committing record levels of investment to increase capacity and resilience. The economic impact of the improved west coast main line is a very positive one, cutting journey times and allowing 45 per cent. more long-distance trains out of Euston.

Michael Fabricant: I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. In his latest newsletter, Tony Collins, chief executive of Virgin Trains, says of the delay in the implementation of the new timetable: "We are disappointed with the current situation. We will continue to work with Network Rail".

And of the disruption over the new year, he says: "Setting aside the tragic plane crash in Staffordshire, the bad days have largely related to overhead line equipment failures."

Does the Secretary of State understand that members of the Lichfield commuters club-and, indeed, other commuters up and down the west coast main line-feel that with hugely increased fares they should be getting an increased service? Where does the buck stop? When will the Secretary of State take responsibility for this?

Mr. Hoon: I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his question. I am told that he chairs "a small but influential group of rail users". I trust that that small group consists of more than one member, but-

Michael Fabricant: I invite the Secretary of State to our next dinner.

Mr. Hoon: I would be delighted to visit Lichfield.

Michael Fabricant: It is being held in the House of Commons in Dining Room B.

Mr. Hoon: Even better. It appears that the hon. Gentleman's "small group" is a very small one indeed. Nevertheless, I would be delighted to meet him to discuss rail services in Lichfield, and I agree that it is important that reliable services are maintained from Lichfield, and also along other parts of the west coast main line. That is precisely why we committed so much funding to its improvement, and why we continue to monitor the developments. We hope-indeed, we expect-that his constituents will have a safe reliable journey along that line.