Train timetable chaos continues

The disruption caused to local commuters by the recent train timetable changes continues with further alterations to timetables introduced today. Over the last 3 weeks commuters have put up with multiple delays and cancellations, a situation that we feel is unacceptable. Even Chris Grayling, the Conservative Transport Minister, has had to admit that 'the rail industry has collectively failed to deliver for the passengers it serves'. Stephen Lloyd, Lib Dem MP for Eastbourne, has been meeting with Southern Rail/GTR, Network Rail and the Rail Minister, putting pressure on them to rectify the situation. Stephen's recent interview about the situation can be viewed on Youtube.

The chaos caused by the shambolic introduction of the new timetables is not the only issue, the new timetables include detrimental changes to key services, such as the loss of direct trains to Clapham Junction from Hassocks during peak times. Lib Dem Councillor for Hassocks and Burgess Hill South Kirsty Lord has been working with local commuters to campaign for the reinstatement of these services. Kirsty also raised the problems children from Wivelsfield have had trying to get to school under the new timetable at the recent Council meeting at West Sussex County Council.

The Department of Transport will hold an inquiry into whether GTR have breached their contract by failing to deliver the new timetable effectively and to determine whether to take 'appropriate enforcement action'. We pledged in our manifesto last year that we would 'as a result of severe failings that rise to the level of breach of contract, establish government-run companies to take over the running of Southern Rail and Govia Thameslink, with a long-term plan to find more effective and sustainable ways of managing these franchises involving greater powers for local government' as we believe that we need a modern railway system run for the benefit of its customers.