Cumbrian MPs have called on train operator Northern to address months of poor performance for passengers.
Northern’s latest data shows that in the past two months, 6.9% of trains between Barrow and Corkickle and 4.9% between Carlisle and Whitehaven were cancelled or part-cancelled. The national average for cancellations is 4.4%.
MPs Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness), Josh MacAlister (Whitehaven & Workington), Julie Minns (Carlisle), and Markus Campbell-Savours (Penrith and Solway) met with bosses of the travel firm this week to discuss the poor performance on Cumbrian Coast Line.
The MPs said they were also pushing the rail industry into action after the Bransty Tunnel closure in Whitehaven last July continued to cause severe disruption.
Pressure from MPs has secured some improvements, including timetable changes, better replacement bus services, and additional support at affected stations.
However, performance levels remain unacceptably poor.
MPs expressed concern at the lack of urgency and have formally requested a recovery plan by the end of the month.
In a joint statement, they said: “While we recognise Northern faces challenges due to the Bransty Tunnel closure, current action is not enough to address very poor performance.
“This disruption is hitting our constituents hard. People are missing work, education, and training, businesses are losing customers, and some residents are considering moving house or changing jobs.”
“We have asked Northern to provide a written action plan by the end of the month, detailing how they will improve the situation beyond current measures.
“The Labour Government is investing in, and reforming, rail services and it is vital that Cumbrian rail users see the benefits of that. The failures we see locally are result of privatisation, it has failed, and it is passengers that have paid the price.”
