Statement on First Great Western - 27th Feb, 2008

Problems with train services have been raised at Welsh Questions

In response to the news that FGW has breached its franchise conditions by exceeding limits on cancellations and misreporting them; Sian James MP said:-

“It is clear there have been service issues that FGW should have addressed.

“I have kept the pressure up on them to improve their performance and the key message going back to the company is that they are being scrutinised closely by the Government.

“Last week, I chaired the inaugural meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Rail in Wales. The group will continue to work with First Great Western and other train operating companies to ensure that the passenger gets the best deal possible.

“£29m towards improving passenger services is welcome, but it is a disappointing that it has had to happen under these circumstances.”