Gareth Johnson expresses concern for Dartford commuters

Gareth Johnson, MP for Dartford, has outlined his hopes for rail transport in Dartford in a contributory letter for the South Eastern Rail Franchise Consultation, which has now closed. In his letter, he implored the consultation to consider a variety a factors when analysing tenders for the new franchise agreement next year, most importantly that ‘As a prominent commuter district for London workers, Kent’s rail services need to be protected and increased to handle this demand.’

Amongst other concerns, Gareth highlighted in particular the poor passenger satisfaction ratings for the current provider Southeastern Trains, the importance of better station facilities for cyclists and for disabled people, and the need for a fast service to Dartford to alleviate peak-time congestion and decrease journey times. He also emphasised the need to extend smart ticketing plans to Dartford commuters, although warned that this should not mean that Dartford is forced under the governance of Transport for London (TFL) ‘as Dartford residents have no voting rights for the London Mayor or the London Assembly which would mean Dartford residents having no electoral say in choosing the officials taking decisions that would affect them.’

The consultation for a new South Eastern trains operator was launched by the Department for Transport on 21^st June this year, and has now closed. The contract for a new franchise is due to commence in April 2014 and will last for 6 years, with a possible further extension of two years.

Gareth today commented that;

“I felt it necessary to give a personal input to Dartford’s rail services at this consultation stage. Since becoming Dartford’s Member of Parliament in 2010, and being a commuter myself, I have seen first-hand the level of discontent that surrounds Dartford’s current rail provision. This was made worse when Southeastern threatened to reduce services from Longfield and Meopham in June, something that I successfully forced a U-turn on.

Too often Southeastern fails to provide the affordable, reliable service that we are looking for in Dartford. Any rail provider must consider the transport needs of Dartford’s residents. Kent should not have to become part of London to get regular and affordable rail services in to the Capital.”

ENDS