28th January 2010 - Transport eUpdate 8.8
I promised to keep you up to date about First Capital Connect and Thameslink.
I thought you would like to see these items:
Whilst FCC's report sets out their usual optimistic tone, the fact remains that the service is woefully below what it should be, and the management bear much of the responsibility for this, as you will appreciate from my earlier reports in the dispute.
This letter also sets out their compensation arrangements.
As you can see, I have also raised the issue with the minister in correspondence, as well as the more visible questioning in Parliament I previously reported to you. The Department of Transport has put FCC under close scrutiny- a sort of railway "special measures", as against their agreed standards. I will of course be following this up further.
In the meantime, a number of us 'Thameslink MPs' have decided enough is enough, and have tabled the Commons Early Day Motion on an cross-party basis (Labour, Lib Dem and Independent MPs are the 6 sponsors, including myself). You will see we are demanding the termination of FCC's contract- I'd be interested to know whether you agree with me!
Whilst I anticipate this will not happen immediately, it allows us to demonstrate our constituents' strength of feeling on the issue, and maintain pressure on FCC to get their act together.
To give me your views on the subject, fill in my online feedback form. | 
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