Rt Hon David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, has welcomed plans unveiled today (6 December) by the Transport Secretary, Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, to bring track and train operations together.

Mr Grayling announced that new franchises due to be granted on Southeastern and East Midlands in 2018 will have integrated operating teams between train services and infrastructure.

In respect of the Southeastern franchise, the Secretary of State commented: “I’ve invited Transport for London and Kent County Council to work alongside us in designing a franchise that maximises performance, that takes advantages of any best practice that we can learn from, and works for London and for Kent”.

Rt Hon David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, was present in the House of Commons as Mr Grayling delivered his speech.

Mr Evennett commented: “I am delighted with the announcements today to bring track and train operations closer together.”

“Southeastern aren’t delivering the service my constituents and fellow commuters deserve. I have strongly campaigned for improvements across the network, and the Government has responded by putting the interests of passengers first”.

“Whoever the franchise is awarded to in 2018 must do better, and I will continue to press the Government to get the best deal possible for local rail users”.