[L]ocal MP Tim Farron will table a motion in the House of Commons today calling for there to be a new rail franchise for the three local train lines that operate in South and West Cumbria.
Over the weekend commuters were once again subjected to massive disruption on Cumbria’s railways after over 30 trains were cancelled on the Lakes, Furness and Coast lines.
Last month, Tim joined Robert Talbot, the Chair of the Lakes Line Rail User Group, in handing in a petition signed by over 5,000 people calling for Northern to be stripped of the Lakes and Furness Lines.
Tim said: “For far too long now, Cumbria has been seen as the end of the line by rail bosses in Manchester and Government ministers in London.
“Rail franchises have become too big and as a result do nothing to serve communities away from major population centres.
“It’s high time now for Cumbria to have its own franchise run by a provider that is actually interested in providing a reliable service – something which Northern has repeatedly failed to do.”
Early Day Motion – New rail franchise for Cumbria
That this House condemns the performance of Arriva Rail North in Cumbria where over 30 trains were cancelled over the weekend; notes the impact this has on the Cumbrian economy and the reputational damage it does to the Lake District; suggests there should be a micro-franchise for the Lakes, Furness and Coast lines so that a rail operator that is actually capable of running trains on a train line can step in.
