More Trains Are Welcome But Punctuality Is Key

6.15.00pm GMT Mon 13th Dec 2004

The new South-West Trains railway timetable has been welcomed by Susan Kramer but she wants to get feedback from commuters on how effective it is. Ms Kramer said: " It is good to see more trains at some poorly served stations and also to see more up to date rolling stock being used on a number of services.

"However the late running of a number of rush hour services on the first morning rather took the icing off the cake for many cold travellers.

"We all want to see improvements in the service and want them to work for everyone.

"Late running of trains has been a common occurrence under the previous timetable and South West Trains need to tackle this alongside these attempts to improve the frequency of trains and the quality of rolling stock, particularly at peak times.

"However, not all stations are getting improvements and a few will have a reduced service so I shall be monitoring the situation into the New Year to see how the new system works. I would welcome commuters' views about the service they are getting from their local stations.

"The long-term goal has to be a rail service with frequencies much more like the Tube. Our part of London depends heavily on rail and these increases in frequency must be just a beginning."