MP urges commuters to have a say about rail services (From News Shopper)

MP urges commuters to have a say about rail services

4:27pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Bexley By Jim Palmer

A BEXLEY MP is urging rail passengers to have a say in how they think Southeastern has done as its contract comes up for renewal.

The Department for Transport has launched a public consultation as the first stage in the process to award a new contract to run the service on the South Eastern Network from 2014 until 2020.

Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire said: “I know that many users of Southeastern Trains simply aren’t satisfied with the service they currently receive.

“This consultation provides an important opportunity for passengers to have their say and to consider how we can drive much needed improvements through the award of the new franchise. I’m also keen to explore what benefits could be delivered if Transport for London and the Mayor had a more direct role in the running of local rail services.”

Mr Brokenshire met with Mayor of London Boris Johnson last week, with the Mayor expressing an interest in taking a direct role in running the commuter services in the same way as the London Overground Network.

Go to dft.gov.uk/consultation/dft-2012-29 to comment by September 13.