MP FOR Bexleyheath and Crayford David Evennett is calling on the government to take tougher action to improve rail services for residents.

It follows a consultation launched today (June 21) by the Department of Transport into passengers’ views on the new Southeastern rail franchise, due to begin in April 2014.

It gives people served by the franchise a chance to say what improvements to train services they would like to see.

The consultation also asks for the views of potential bidders on how they will improve service quality for passengers.

Mr Evennett said: “The new operator must be subject to tougher performance targets, fares must be brought under control and rolling stock levels increased to reduce overcrowding.

“Since 2006, Southeastern have consistently let down local commuters and rail travellers.

“We expect better in the future.”

Rail minister Theresa Villiers says she is keen to hear people’s views on the consultation.

She said: “Before we let this franchise, we want to make sure we make the right decisions to maximise the benefits passengers get from it.

“This consultation sets out a range of standards we expect any new operator to deliver as a matter of course, including improvements to stations, rolling out smart ticketing technology, better passenger information and good levels of punctuality.

“But we also want passengers and anyone else with an interest in the railways to tell us about other ways services could be improved.”

The new Southeastern will run until September 2020 with a possible extension by up to two years.

The closing date for people to have their say is September 13. To view the consultation, go to dft.gov.uk