Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery is urging rail users to take part in a consultation on the South Western train franchise that comes up for grabs in two years’ time.
The Department of Transport is running a competition to find the new operator for the Hampshire-wide service, currently run by Stagecoach South West Trains, but due to end in 2017.
Ministers have said that the key focus for the new franchise will be to tackle overcrowding, improve passenger experience and invest in rolling stock and infrastructure, but the ministry is also keen to hear from passengers during the 12-week consultation to help to inform and develop the franchise specification for the tender that will be issued to interested companies in April next year.
“The future of rail travel is vitally important for Hampshire residents and the government really needs to know what people in the county think about the service and, crucially, what could improve it further,” said George. “The more information the ministry has, the better it can tailor the franchise specification, and the better the operator will be. I really do urge everyone to take part.”
The consultation ends 9th February 2016 and it can be accessed online at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/south-western-rail-franchise
