Lewes MP, Norman Baker, has today written to South Central asking them to clarify the timetable for the introduction of new rolling stock and to confirm or deny rumours that the phasing out of slam door trains has been delayed for at least a further six months.
Mr Baker has also made it clear that, if further delays are likely, the slam-door stock currently in use will have to undergo a basic refurbishment. The condition of many of the slam door trains has deteriorated significantly in recent months, following the company's decision not to invest in the maintenance of old stock. As a result many of the trains have draughty windows, broken luggage racks and faulty or missing lighting.
Commenting on this Norman says:
"If there is to be, as rumoured, yet another delay before the new trains are up and running then there is, to be frank, an urgent need for some basic maintenance work to be done on the old stock. Although I understand South Central's decision not to invest heavily in maintaining trains that are shortly to be phased out, there is a basic minimum standard of service that should be provided to customers, which is frankly not being met. Passengers should, at the very least, be able to travel in a warm and well-lit environment. Poor lighting is not simply a matter of comfort but also of safety.
"I have therefore asked South Central to clarify the timetable they are now operating with regards the introduction of the new trains and their intentions with regards the interim upkeep of the old stock."
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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