Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, today met Andy Mellors, Managing Director of South Western Railway, to discuss future plans for the service.
The meeting, held at the House of Commons, focused on concerns raised by Richard’s constituents over plans for the new timetable.
“In particular, we talked about the reduction in direct trains to London, how smaller stations lose out and the need for passengers at some smaller stations to change trains,” says Drax.
“Mr Mellors, who has already received at least 2,000 emails during the consultation about the new timetabling, assured me that SWR is listening.”
“SWR is proposing running faster peak trains from Weymouth to London, along with stopping services for local journeys. However, the infrastructure and power constraints on this busy line limit the amount of trains that can operate.”
“That’s why I continued to push for improvements to the Salisbury line and Yeovil Junction, which will speed up trains and reduce congestion. I am also delighted that Network Rail, which is responsible for rail infrastructure, has now documented these improvements.”
“I also again raised the issue of refurbishing Weymouth station, as I believe it needs it.”
“I would strongly encourage anyone who wishes to participate in the consultation, either positively or negatively, to do so by writing to: timetable.feedback@swrailway.com before the cut-off date of December 22, 2017.”