Justin Tomlinson MP examines investment plans for the line through Swindon
Justin Tomlinson MP today met with First Group, whose operators include First Great Western, to discuss the future of the British rail network.
The Total Politics roundtable discussion was an opportunity to discuss Swindon’s rail connections and the how the service could be improved going forward.
Justin raised a number of issues surrounding Swindon’s rail links, including the high prices of fares, car parking facilities, capacity and innovative ways for First Great Western to improve the services they provide.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “Swindon – London is one of the most expensive rail journeys per mile you can make in Europe. This is concerning as when I meet Swindon’s big employers like Intel and Nationwide, they raise this as a factor head offices look at when considering whether to remain in Swindon or move elsewhere. Swindon can’t afford to lose these vital employers. Myself and my South Swindon colleague Robert Buckland MP will be lobbying hard to see respite for Swindon commuters when the Government reviews the national fare structure.”
Justin also raised the issue of capacity following First Great Western’s announcement of additional carriages last November to ease overcrowding on peak services.
“I am delighted that First Great Western are committed to tackle the issues of overcrowding with the help of government funding for additional carriages. In addition, the electrification of the Great Western mainline, starting next year, will add significant capacity to services through Swindon. However, we need to make sure that investment in additional capacity exceeds the annual increase in demand to ensure that overcrowding is reduced. First Great Western needs to do more to encourage more flexible customers to travel on the emptier off peak services.”
Justin Tomlinson MP also discussed ideas to improve the services First Great Western provide to Swindon customers. This included investment in extra car parking facilities, selling off spare first class capacity on crowded services, offering at seat services such as newspapers to encourage more first class customers and using past purchase history to offer Swindon’s passengers offers and deals tailored to them.
