BRACKNELL'S newly-elected Conservative MP James Sunderland has joined a cross-party group that will examine how South Western Rail (SWR) can improve its service.
This All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) will be examining the entirety of the railway system, including franchises, the Department of Transport, Network Rail and other organisations involved within the infrastructure.
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This comes as the government deliberates today on the future of the SWR franchise.
The APPG met for the first time on January 21, when they established 5 aims:
1. Provide adequate rail capacity that meets demand.
2. Invest in the future so the railways deliver the service that constituents require and expect.
3. Ensure passenger experience meets expectations.
4. Deliver good performance with reliable and punctual train services delivered for passengers.
5. Achieve value for money for passenger and taxpayer.
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Commuters will hope this gets SWR on track for a resolution after a miserable December which saw a 28-day strike.
James Sunderland said: “I am honoured to join the new All-Party Parliamentary Group for South Western Railway as Vice Chair.
"MPs from all parties are taking decisive action to champion constituents who travel to and from London Waterloo and other lines across Berkshire’’
Mary Temperton, the Labour councillor for Great Hollands North, commented: “As our elected MP, I am glad James Sunderland is involved as our service to London leaves much to be desired.
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“It is so very slow and I would hope that in peak times, more trains could be put on so that trains would only stop at alternate stations.
“The service from Reading to London is so very frequent and so fast.
“This puts Bracknell at a disadvantage, and this will be even worse when Crossrail is finished… Changes are needed now, so a rapid response is needed.”
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