Forum topic: MP demands better train service amid rising passenger anger and frustration

Letter from Bambos Charalambous MP to the managing director of Govia Thameslink Railway

Mr Tom Moran
Managing Director
Govia Tharneslink Railway,
2nd Floor, Monument Place,
24 Monument Street,
London,
EC3R 8AJ

Our Ref: BC14381
30 July 2019

Dear Tom Moran,

Re: Train cancellations due to lack of drivers

I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are rightly frustrated that their journeys to and from work have been delayed due to the cancellation of their train service because of lack of drivers. Yesterday was one of the worst days ever when five trains out of nine were cancelled between 17.03 and 18.03 from Highbury & Islington to stations in my constituency of Enfield Southgate and beyond.

This level of performance is totally unacceptable and although particularly bad on Fridays and at weekends it has deteriorated and is now affecting peak time journeys too.

There can be no excuse for having insufficient drivers to run the trains that Great Northern have advertised in their timetable on a daily basis. This is a fundamental breach of duty. My constituents and I rely on your train service to get us in and out of central London and we should not have to put up with a sub standard service.

Whilst the new trains are a welcome improvement the cancellations undermine trust and confidence in Great Nodhern.

Please can you advise me what steps you are taking to improve the local service and reduce the level of train cancellations due to no driver.

We must see an improvement and that needs to happen fast.

I would expect any responsible employer to provide decent terms and conditions for all their staff and to ensure that cover is provided where necessary.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Bambos Charalambous MP