New Rail Timetable

11.38.52am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Oct 2004

A new winter rail timetable comes into effect shortly (12th December). Local commuters and residents groups are currently studying the timetable and there is particular concern about Whitton and Strawberry Hill where the 'bunching' of services could mean gaps of almost half an hour between trains.

Vincent Cable MP has been in discussion with SW Trains about the new timetable and acknowledged that there were some "genuine improvements in response to passenger demand". A better connecting service to Twickenham and Richmond from Hampton and Fulwell and better late night services at most stations: "it is, however, tough on Whitton that in order to get a new regular service through Hounslow, round the loopline, timings have been completely thrown out at Whitton where people may have to wait half an hour and then have tree trains in a few minutes."

But he was very critical of a proposal to make timetabled many journey times to London 4-5 minutes longer: "because so many trains are late, the rail company seems to have concluded that it is better to incorporate lateness in the timetable than improve punctuality. It is bizarre and unbusinesslike behaviour. It is like a carpenter saying that because he has cut a piece of wood too long, he should be allowed to stretch the tape measure rather than get the length right."

Note to Editors:

Contacts: Vincent Cable MP

Alun Evans, Windsor Line Passenger Group, 79 Constance Road, Whitton, TW2 7HX