2008 press releases


Norman Baker MP calls on government to set longer rail franchise for Sussex

Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker, has today spoken out against the Government's decision to advertise only a very short term for the South Central passenger rail franchise, which covers the East Sussex area.

The local MP, who is also the Lib Dem Shadow Transport Secretary, has criticised the Government’s decision to set the term of the franchise at five years and ten months, saying that the term is not long enough for an operator to achieve real change or make the longer-term investments that the local rail service needs.

Commenting on the franchise, Norman Baker said:

"It is extremely disappointing that the Government have decided to advertise such a short term for the South Central rail franchise which covers Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven and Polegate.

"Five years is simply not enough time for an rail operator to make real and lasting improvements to the local service. What is more, the very fact that the next operator will know that they only have such a short franchise is likely to make them extremely reluctant to make those longer-term investments that are desperately needed to make the railway work better in years to come, but which may do little to increase operator profits in the short term.

"The Government's inability to see and plan beyond the next five years is damaging to the future of the railway in East Sussex and indeed the rest of the country. This is why in my national role I am calling for longer franchises that would encourage greater commitment and investment from operators."












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