Thank rail companies when trains run on time, says Sussex MP Huw Merriman
Commuters should be taking the time to say thank you to the rail companies when they manage to get train services running on time, which they do "most days", a Sussex MP has said.
Thousands of passengers may beg to differ, but speaking in the Commons today, MP for Bexhill and Battle Huw Merriman said: "This morning my train to London Bridge got me in on time.
"Would you agree with me that as well as being negative when things don't work, we should also be positive to our rail franchises when they do get it right most days?" he asked transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin.
"I think you are absolutely right," McLoughlin replied.
"What you are seeing on your line and the line that goes into London Bridge and other trains through Thameslink is a massive upgrade of some £6.5 billion.
"Obviously there will be difficulties at certain stages during the reconstruction of that line but once it is finished it will be a far superior line and it will benefit from the new trains which will come into service later this spring."
Thameslink, Southeastern and Southern, which run to London Bridge, were voted the worst train services in the country just yesterday. This morning train operators came in for fresh criticism as dozens of services into London Victoria were cancelled after engineering works overran.
Still – it's safe to say most people are not of the same mind as Merriman…
Tory MP Huw Merriman says too many people moan about trains and we should praise companies when they arrive on time. Absurd
— Arj Singh (@singharj) January 28, 2016
Huw Merriman just said his train to Lon Bridge on time & we should be grateful when TOCs work. Must we be grateful every time train on time?
— Joel Taylor (@JoelTaylorhack) January 28, 2016
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