This week in Parliament I highlighted the ongoing disruption to cross-border rail services between Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction and Bristol.

Speaking in Transport Questions in the Commons, I called on the Government to ensure train operating companies do not use Network Rail infrastructure works as an excuse to offer poorer quality services at a time when commuters continue to pay significant sums to travel, following the fare hikes which have hit a five year high.

In my question to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, I said “This summer my constituents who commute by rail have had to put up with delays, cancellations and ineffective bus services as a result of work on the Great Western mainline, and we now learn that equipment is rusting in the Severn Tunnel. Whilst the infrastructure investment is welcome on this can the Minister ensure this not an excuse for the train operating companies to run a reduced service and call on them to ensure there is no more disruption than there needs to be for people just trying to get to work?”