Hove MP Weatherley highlights First Capital Connect failures to Minister
Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has written to his colleague the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport, to draw attention to the dissatisfaction of rail users from Brighton & Hove with First Capital Connect whose rail franchise is up for renewal shortly.
Mike says he regularly receives correspondence from angry constituents who highlight countless examples of failings of and poor levels of service from First Capital Connect. Mike frequently writes to rail operators to highlight problems that commuters face on a daily basis, but knows that the franchise bidding process is an important place to highlight traveller feelings.
In his letter to the Minister, Mike wrote: “Since my election, I have been contacted by a huge number of my constituents who have been appalled by the service that is provided by First Capital Connect. Indeed, I am confident that a great many more are also dissatisfied but have not taken the trouble to get in touch. I know I speak on behalf of my constituents when I say that it is astonishing that a company with such a poor track record should be so seriously considered as a contender in the future of the franchise.”
Commenting, Mike said: “I was keen to highlight to the Secretary of State for Transport that it would make a mockery of the whole franchise process should a company such as First Capital Connect have its contract renewed. Commuters are forced to put up with overcrowded and delayed trains as well as regular fare increases. The franchise bidding process is a good place to highlight exactly how rail users feel.”
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