I am campaigning to improve local train services. Our local infrastructure connects communities and helps make Runnymede such a great place to live, work and run a business. Our rail services are a vital part of this, offering easy access to London and the rest of the UK while also reducing the number of cars on our roads.
Yet too often what is offered it not matched by local delivery. From poor connections between mainline and branch line services, accessibility issues, with the Weybridge lifts the least reliable on the SWR network, to delays and disruption to services. Local commuters and all those who rely on the network deserve better.
I am therefore campaigning to improve local train services. I have regularly engaged with South Western Railway when issues have arisen and have been pressing for improved timetabling to ensure sensible connections at Weybridge and Virginia Water. In response to the repeated issues with Weybridge lifts I have raised this at every level, including with the Transport Secretary, to press for action to ensure rail access for all passengers. I am delighted that Network Rail have confirmed that the lifts at Weybridge are now on a schedule of works to be renewed or replaced.
The acknowledgement that this work is needed is a significant success. However, there remain broader issues to be addressed around the data collection and accurate public information, which is also vital to ensuring accessible travel, and I will continue campaign on this to ensure our public transport is accessible to everyone.
Ticket office closure plans
Residents will be aware of proposals last year from the Rail Delivery Group and South Western Railways to close all local ticket offices. I know many residents had concerns over these plans, many of which I shared. To reflect their views, and gain a greater understanding of local rail use, I created a local survey asking for your views. The responses to this survey fed in to my response to the consultation, which you can view here.
An astonishing 750,000 replies were received to consultations on these plans. As a result of the strength of feeling against these plans, on 31 October the Government instructed rail operators to cancel plans to close all rail ticket offices.
The plans would have disadvantaged customers and failed to address a whole range of accessibility, safety and value for money concerns for passengers. I am delighted our views have been heard and acted upon. Huge thanks to everyone who fed their views into my response or engaged directly.
National policy
In 2021, the Williams Review of British railways, commission by the Government, found that “too often railways are not getting the basics right”. This is evident in the issues and concerns reported to me on a regular basis by residents, and from my own experience as a frequent rail passenger.
In response the Government announced plans to reform the way our rail network operates and creating a new public body, Great British Railways, which will bring together many of the current segmented elements of our railways. This body will own the infrastructure, run and plan the network, organise the timetables, and set most fares.
The reforms will also replace the franchise system with new passenger service contracts, similar to those used to run London buses and the London overground; and reform and upgrade the fares system. I will continue to campaign for improvements to local services and deliver for our residents.
