Local MP concerned about train services

3.00.32pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 3rd Dec 2004

Following the announcement of forthcoming changes to the local train timetable and continuing problems such as delays, Sue Doughty MP has written to the Managing Director of South West Trains.

Sue said:

"Many Guildford residents have contacted me about delayed trains, overcrowding and the recent ban on bicycles on new SWT trains.

"Some journeys will take longer to get from one place to another under the new timetable.

"As a regular train user travelling between Guildford and Westminster, I understand the impact this will have on the quality of life of commuters who depend on these services.

"We were told that bicycles were banned on the old trains because they were unsafe. But the new trains don't have sufficient space for bikes either. At a time when we need an integrated, sustainable transport policy, this was terrible planning.

"It is little wonder that we are failing to persuade people to leave their cars at home and take the train. If we want to get people off the roads, we need to make sure there are reliable alternatives."