MPs meet Transport Minister over Southeastern concerns

Last week my Kent MP colleagues and I met Theresa Villiers, Transport Minister to discuss the future of Southeastern and its current franchise to run services in Dartford.  We discussed the poor service provided during the winter and the calculation of reliability figures that Southeastern has provided. The huge and disproportionate increases in fares for Dartford’s commuters was also discussed.

Southeastern provide neither value for money or a satisfactory service. As a commuter myself I oftenexperience the service that Southeastern provides. It is unfortunate that Theresa Villiers is restricted by the Franchise that was given to Southeastern a few years ago. That franchise allows for an extension to thecontract of two years from 2012. That extension is dependant on Southeastern passing certain reliability figures. I feel though that Southeastern must improve the service it provides and not hide behind figures that few of us have confidence in. There is a high degree of anger amongst all of Kent’s MPs towards Southeastern and a determination that their franchise renewal should not just be rubber stamped.