In Parliament

Severn Tunnel Junction Services 17 April 2007

Jessica raises the important issue of Severn Tunnel Junction Services

Newport East MP Jessica Morden this week questioned the Secretary of State for Transport about services from Severn Tunnel Junction Station and praised the effort of the local action group.

Jessica Morden MP took the opportunity of the Transport Questions in the House of Commons to gain recognition for the work of those who ran a successful campaign to restore threatened services. Ms Morden also challenged the Minister to do more to force First Great Western to deal with the issue of under capacity on important services from Severn Tunnel Junction.

Jessica Morden MP said yesterday ‘These are important commuter services which are already overcrowded, it is vital that people can travel in comfort and safety. We must be encouraging people out of their cars and on to the trains not putting them off by delivering such a poor service.'

Transport Minister Douglas Alexander MP said in his reply to Jessica Morden MPs Question ‘I have been in regular dialogue with First Great Western in recent months, and that I have impressed on the company that the standards of service that it has provided on those routes under its franchise have fallen below what passengers and the rest of us have the right to expect. Discussions are continuing, and work with the company is under way. It is now up to First Great Western to offer the level of improvement to which it has made a commitment.'

Jessica Morden went on to say ‘I am pleased with the Ministers response and reassured that there is a sustained pressure from all levels to ensure First Great Western improves the services in this area. I am also pleased to hear from First Great Western that they are currently consulting on future timetables and they will take on board concerns of commuters in relation to increasing capacity.'

If commuters have particular concerns about the services from Severn Tunnel Junction or would like make suggestions for improved services as part of the this consultation please write to Jessica Morden MP, 1st Floor, Clarence House, Clarence Place, Newport NP19 7AA who will pass all letters on to First Great Western.

To see the full hansard record of Jessica's question click here