Gale questions Secretary of State on the South Eastern rail Service

 Press Release from :

North Thanet`s MP, Sir Roger Gale, has this (Thursday 17^th January) morning raised performance of the East Kent Rail service on the floor of the House of Commons with the Secretary of State for Transport (Rt.Hon.Patrick McLaughlin MP).

Speaking at Transport questions Sir Roger indicated that as a result of the franchise agreement imposed by the last Labour government East Kent`s commuters had faced year-on-year above average rail increases. Referring to the “appalling service” offered the MP asked “if the Secretary of State will seek to ensure that Network Rail and Southeastern deliver the service and value for money to which the travelling public that I represent is entitled”.

Responding, The Secretary of State noted the discussions that he had held with Sir Roger on the subject and made it clear that the matter was under consideration.

“The Minister of State, Simon Burns, recently visited Thanet by rail” says Sir Roger “and I know that he has both experienced and recognised the shortcomings in a service that has to be improved. From my conversations with the Secretary of State I believe that he, also, understands the need for enhancements in the interests of commuters and also to help to realise  the potential for the development of Manston Airport.  While any improvements are welcome I do not think that  investment, by Network Rail, in an improved signalling system that was promised in 2005 for delivery by 2010 represents on its own an adequate response to the present shortcomings. We need a proper development of and investment in an enhanced rail service to reflect the fares that customers are now being required to pay”

Campaign starting on new draft train timetable for Margate to London

How many of us moved here being told that train times would improve from Margate to London. Anyone recall being told journey times would improve to just over an hour?

Well, in true Orwellian style, we're being told it gets betterm and you'll have to pay for it, but actually it gets worse.

You may have heard that South Eastern trains is bringing in a new timetable for the train service from Margate to Victoria and Charing Cross.  From December.
 
In actual fact:
- There will be fewer trains running to London
- They will stop at more stations (adding 10 mins to the standard journey time).
- You will have to change at Faversham (and hope your train is not late AND your connection is waiting for you!).
 
OR
 
- You will have to travel to Ramsgate to catch the train to Kings Cross (paying a LOT more money for a train journey that’s 15 mins shorter … but requires you to travel from Margate to Ramsgate to catch it.)

This timetable is out for consultation. So we're going to consult too! If you see a person wrapped up against the best that Thanet's autumn weather can hit them with asking if you have 2 minutes to ansewer a questionnaire, do us all a favour and add your voice to the petition. If you are willing to help out with the campaign, please get in touch at snowball_drylands@yahoo.co.uk.