2 days ago
Major Southeastern cuts have been partially reversed - but more needs to be done
Back in December 2022, rail passengers were shocked to hear their train services were to be drastically cut by Southeastern and a new timetable imposed with no consultation.
The impact on residents across the Bexleyheath & Crayford constituency has been significant, making it harder for those commuting for work, for children travelling to school, and patients travelling to hospital, while also making it difficult for hard-working residents to enjoy their free time and easily travel on evenings and weekends.
These changes came into place before I was elected as the MP for Bexleyheath & Crayford, but as a local resident, I am acutely aware of the impact.
I have continued to lobby and raise the issue on behalf of my residents in Parliament.
One of the first Bills brought forward when the Labour Government was elected last summer was the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill.
The Bill delivers on our manifesto promise to bring passenger services into public ownership as a first step towards wider rail reform.
We have all seen how profit-driven companies can make decisions which benefit their balance sheet, without consideration of rail passengers.
Our Plan for Change is focused on kick-starting the economy, and public transport is a key part of that.
We don't want public transport to be a barrier to work or even for attending a hospital appointment, which is why I welcome the Government's commitment to reform our railways with the establishment of Great British Rail, unifying track and train under one leadership.
I have been raising my concerns that we need to see Southeastern services reinstated, both with their Chief Executive and the Secretary of State.
I was therefore delighted to receive confirmation when I raised a question in Parliament to the Minister, highlighting constituents' concerns about the lack of direct services from London Charing Cross to Barnehurst and Bexleyheath during the evenings and weekends, that the current service provision has been reviewed.
I was delighted to hear that starting from December, four additional weekday evening services will be introduced on the route.
This will make a huge difference to those travelling home in the evenings, and I am delighted that residents of Bexleyheath & Crayford have been listened to.
I'm not stopping there, as more needs to be done to improve public transport for my residents.
I'll continue to push for more direct services from Crayford to Abbey Wood, better integration between Southeastern and Thameslink services at Slade Green, and for more weekend services from London Charing Cross to Barnehurst and Bexleyheath.
I've also made representations to the Deputy Mayor of London for Transport at TfL about a dedicated bus route that could benefit over 100 students in one of our local schools in Bexleyheath, as well as lobbying for the introduction of a new bus route to directly connect Crayford and Northumberland Heath.
I am proud that the new Government is taking the issue of public transport seriously, and I'll continue to work with them to ensure improvements are made to benefit my constituents.
