Penrith and The Border MP Neil Hudson blasted Avanti West Coast’s poor and unreliable service and asked the Government to make sure nothing is ruled out over its future.
Dr Hudson spoke in Parliament after Avanti West Coast bosses recently admitted to not being at an adequate standard following a decision to extend the firm’s contract by six months.
Since then, major disruptions are still happening on the West Coast line, plus passengers are left with slashed schedules, overcrowded and dirty trains, reduced ticket sales, and regular delays.
His comments came during Transport Questions in Parliament, where MPs lined up to ask the Minister of State for Rail, Huw Merriman, questions about Government policy and action on the issue.
The minister apologised to Dr Hudson and his constituents for the poor service before reiterating that the Department for Transport has been working closely with Avanti to increase services,
The speaker, who also commutes on the line weekly, quipped afterwards that Avanti did not seem to be improving – which was greeted by noises of agreement by MPs across the House.
Afterwards, Dr Hudson said: “Travelling between Cumbria and Westminster every week to represent my constituents in Parliament, I know just how poorly the Avanti West Coast service is faring at the moment. I know first hand how frustrating and unpredictable this commute from Cumbria to London is and barely a week goes by without me hearing from fellow Cumbrians who have missed out on seeing family members, going to events or attending appointments.
“Frankly it is not good enough and something has to change. I have consistently pushed Ministers to make sure that nothing is taken off the table, especially stripping the organisation of its contract should poor performance continue.
“I am aware Avanti has been working with the Minister’s Department, an independent rail watchdog, and the Office of Rail and Road to find solutions, so I hope these talks progress as a matter of urgency.”
Dr Hudson’s full parliamentary question read: “I, many constituents and countless people up and down the land struggle each week with the poor and unreliable service provided by Avanti West Coast – people missing interviews, appointments, family events and social occasions. Can the Minister give the latest Government assessment of Avanti’s performance and confirm that nothing will be ruled out, including stripping them of their contract if they do not lift their game?”
