GREG CALLS FOR FASTER RAIL SERVICES FOR LOCAL COMMUTERS
02.12.13 for immediate release: Battle MP, Greg Barker, has called for faster direct services to London from Battle to shorten journey times whilst retaining the all important regular services for rural stations as part of his recommendations to the Department of Transport for the new rail franchises to be awarded in 2014.
Speaking in Battle, Greg said “I want to see a new fast service between Battle and London but first and foremost we must protect the services for our rural stations including Robertsbridge, Etchingham and Stone Cross and look to upgrade these.”
In addition to the faster rail service, Greg is working with local rail user groups to call for other service improvements including: better connectivity of trains at St Leonards Warrior Square to the coastal lines; performance improvements; a flexible ‘carnet’ ticket for commuters to allow them to benefit from season ticket prices but without having to travel on consecutive days; and more competitive advance fares to fill spare capacity.
Greg said “I would like to pay tribute to the East Sussex Rail Alliance and local rail user groups for their work in putting forward priorities for the new South Eastern Rail Franchise Direct Award. Rail services that respond to the growing needs of local commuters, businesses and the important tourist industry are essential for local economic growth and creating more opportunities for local people.”