News campaign to get train service back on track

MEDWAY MPs are urging embattled Southeastern trains to appoint another reviewer to back up its much-scrutinised figures.

The operator has come in for criticism after passing its 82 per cent punctuality target by just 0.04.

And it’s emerged that Southeastern was heavily reliant on its high-speed service, which runs from London to Folkestone via the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, to get it off the hook.

The HS1 rail link scored 90 per cent and ensured the franchise avoided paying out huge sums in compensation to its passengers.

Had it fallen below the target, season ticket holders would have been eligible for a five per cent reduction in fares.

Now Kent MPs are turning up the heat on the operator by demanding that an independent audit be carried out.

The operator’s contract is currently being reviewed by an independent panel at the University of Sheffield, by comparing its performance against the criteria outlined when the contract was first handed out in 2006.

Twelve MPs met with transport minister Theresa Villiers on Tuesday to question the quality of Southeastern’s performance, and whether it deserved to be extended until 2014.

Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, said tensions were running high during the meeting.

She said: “It was a feisty affair.

“It’s very suspicious that they passed their target by just 0.04 per cent, and by the end the rail minister was left in no doubt about our views.

“Passengers pay a high price, and it’s important for them to have confidence in their service.

“What’s worrying is when Southeastern gets the report back from Sheffield University they have 28 days to review it, and I’m not convinced they’d publish it if the figures are poor.

“Hopefully she will go away and a independent audit will take place.”

Mark Reckless, MP for Rochester and Strood, believes it’s time for change.

He said: “I’ve lost faith in Southeastern trains over time, as I feel they have stopped trying and stopped taking MPs and customers seriously.

“I’m fully behind the independent audit idea and I’m very hopeful that Theresa Villiers will agree to it.

“I don’t buy the argument it will cost too much, that’s rubbish.”

Reh Chishti, MP for Gillingham and Rainham, is also adamant there should be a second opinion.

He said: “I want another expert’s view.

“There should be an independent auditor because there needs to be a second judgement.”