Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker, has used a parliamentary question in the House of Commons to call for reduced rail journey times between Polegate, Lewes and London.
Replying to Mr Baker on behalf of the Government, Under-Secretary of State for Transport Derek Twigg, promised some reduction in journey times as a result of the measures already outlined in the recently published Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy.
The Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy has eliminated the practice of splitting and joining trains at Haywards Heath and has increased the number of evening services to Mr Baker's constituency during the summer months.
Commenting on the answer, Norman Baker said:
"I welcome the measures contained within the Brighton Main Line Utilisation Strategy and am sure that they will make the journey more convenient for both commuters and indeed occasional customers who aren't familiar with the system and have in the past often been confused by the practice of splitting trains.
"That said, there is still considerable slack in the system and clear room for a significant reduction to journey times. The Government needs to do better if they are to be successful in encouraging people to leave the car at home and use the train. I believe we could knock 10 minutes off the journey time to London, at least partly as a direct result of the abandonment of splitting and joining, and I urge the government to work with Southern to bring this faster service about in time for when the next timetable is published."
|Home
Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
Printed and hosted by Pipex Communications UK Ltd, Humber Buildings, Humber Rd, Beeston, Notts, NG9 2ET. Published and promoted by Norman Baker MP, House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA. The views expressed are those of Norman Baker, not of the service provider.
