Moore Challenges Minister on East Coast Main Line Services (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Moore Challenges Minister on East Coast Main Line Services

July 21, 2009 11:51 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Borders MP Michael Moore has welcomed a personal assurance from the Transport Secretary, Lord Adonis, that rail services to and from Berwick-upon-Tweed on the East Coast Main Line will be sustained at current levels whilst the line is under state control, following the National Express decision to default on their franchise. He has also challenged the Minister to tackle high fares and ticket inflexibility on the east coast.

At a meeting with the Secretary of State in the Houses of Parliament yesterday, Mr Moore and his Liberal Democrat colleague Sir Alan Beith, MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed expressed their concern that levels of punctuality and reliability could be affected as preparations for the transfer of responsibility from National Express to the Government proceed.Michael Moore MP: Standing up for the Borders

With reports suggesting that in could be 2011 before the Government awards the franchise to a new operator, Mr Moore also urged Lord Adonis to take the opportunity of the forthcoming period of nationalisation to address other issues of concern, including high ticket prices and inflexible booking procedures.

Lord Adonis made a commitment to meet with Mr Moore to discuss these issues in detail when Parliament returns after the summer recess.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Moore said:

'Although the assurances I have received from the Secretary of State are welcome, I will continue to monitor this situation closely to ensure that rail users from our region are not penalised by the failure of National Express to honour their contract.

'While securing services at current levels must be the priority, it is also essential that Ministers take the golden opportunity offered by the nationalisation of the east coast line to ensure that rail travel is accessible to all.

'It is scandalous that in many cases it is cheaper to fly from Edinburgh to London than to take the train from Berwick-upon-Tweed. Reducing prices and increasing flexibility is essential if we are to encourage more people to use our railways. The Government has an unexpected, but welcome opportunity to tackle these twin scandals and must grab it wholeheartedly'.