Across the country the railway is simply not providing the punctual and reliable service that passengers expect. As a frustrated rail commuter myself, I am determined to deliver the improvements that are so vitally needed. There are legitimate questions on whether the current franchising model is viable and delivering for passengers. Keith Williams - who is leading an independent review into the railways - has already stated that franchising cannot continue in its current form. His review will propose sector-wide reforms which aim to put passengers at the heart of the railway.
As I explained in the Written Ministerial Statement laid today, my Department has now begun the process of preparing contingency measures on South Western Railway (SWR) and we have issued a Request for Proposal to the SWR franchise owners (FirstGroup plc and MTR) and to the Operator of Last Resort (OLR), a public sector operator wholly owned by the Department. Once these have been received we will evaluate the responses to determine how best to secure the continuation and improvement of passenger services on this part of the network. I will keep you informed of developments.
This will not impact the railway’s day-to-day operations, and is instead the first step in ensuring we deliver the railway passengers need on this part of the network. Should you get enquiries from constituents please do reassure them that SWR will continue to operate as usual with no material impact on services or staff.
I know that many of your constituents will have been affected by the strike action. This week the RMT are balloting their members, with further strikes a possibility. The disruption that strike action causes to people’s daily lives is simply unacceptable.
Modernisation of the railways must come with modernisation of the way the railway is operated, this will remain the case whoever operates SWR services. Driver controlled trains are perfectly safe and have been operated elsewhere on the network for many years. These trains allow the guards to devote much more time to customer service and safety, including helping passengers with accessibility issues, and other important duties all of which are of benefit to all those who travel and work on our railways. This modernisation is essential if the future needs of this railway are to be met.
The railway is a public service. People rely upon it to support their way of life, livelihoods, education and healthcare and it is why this Government has committed to introducing minimum service levels during times of strike action. I know that MPs inboxes are often filled up with matters relating to rail, so the Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris MP will be instigating regular MP’s surgeries to discuss issues on specific rail companies and routes. Departmental officials, as well as representatives from the Train Operating Companies and Network Rail will also be in attendance to ensure that your questions are answered. We will provide more details on the date for the SWR surgery shortly.
Yours ever,
Grant Shapps
Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT