Rail passengers in parts of the south west and south east, including here on the Isle of Wight, can now have their say over the future of their rail services by taking part in a government consultation.
Passengers, businesses and local councils are being asked for their views on how the next South Western franchise – which serves parts of Berkshire, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight – can deliver the rail services that people want.
Major improvements to tackle overcrowding, boost punctuality and deliver better journeys are planned during the next franchise, which is due to start in 2017 when the current South West Trains contract comes to an end. Around 14% of all passenger journeys in the UK are made on the South Western network.
The next operator will be required to work with the Isle of Wight council, community and stakeholders to develop plans to turn the Island Line into a separate and self-sustaining business during the life of the next franchise. This will help deliver the services that Islanders need, while putting the line on a more sustainable footing for the future and reducing costs.
Rail Minister Claire Perry said:
“We are determined to make journeys better for the growing number of customers who use these services, and this consultation will ensure passengers are at the heart of this process.
“It is really important that people tell us what they think so we can take their views into account as we develop our plans, and ensure we deliver the improvements that passengers rightly deserve”.
The consultation sets out the expected improvements for the next franchise, including the completion of planned major work at London Waterloo to lengthen platforms 1 to 4 and bring the former international platforms back into use, allowing for longer trains and more space. From 2017, a new fleet of 30 five-car trains is also planned to tackle overcrowding, in addition to the 108 extra carriages being introduced during the current franchise as part of a £65 million government scheme.
It also asks for passengers’ views on a range of other improvements including how the next operator can:
• Improve journey times and punctuality, with new financial penalties for delays and cancellations
• Significantly increase the take-up of smart ticketing, providing passengers with more convenient and smoother journeys
• Take steps to improve customer service and compensation arrangements for passengers
• Improve facilities for customers on board trains and at stations
• Ensure that free WiFi is provided across the network
• Work more closely with TfL and Network Rail for the benefit of passengers
The 12-week consultation closes on 9th February 2016 and is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/south-western-rail-franchise.
A consultation event is due to be held in Ryde on 15th December.
