Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones has recently written to the Government to give his views on a consultation by the Department for Transport ‘Reforming Rail Franchising’. The consultation discusses options to ensure that future rail franchises deliver improved services for passengers, better value for taxpayer money and create the right conditions for a sustainable rail industry.

In his capacity as Member of Parliament for Nuneaton Marcus has an interest in the national railway system and in the provision and efficiency of rail services offered to people living in the town. The loss of fast off-peak services has adversely affected the travel plans of commuters from Nuneaton who now have to travel by car or bus to reach the fast services at Rugby or Coventry, which has had a knock-on effect to Nuneaton’s economic regeneration.

Commenting on the consultation, Marcus said: “I welcome the Department for Transport’s consultation on this important issue. The rail network is suffering from chronic levels of overcrowding, higher and higher fare increases and, in the case of Nuneaton, disappointing reductions in service.

“Nuneaton services have been greatly disadvantaged since timetable changes were introduced in 2008 due largely, in my view, to politically-driven micromanagement. The Government needs to provide the opportunity for there to be greater competition for services from Nuneaton station which will hopefully lead to our town having fast off-speak services.

He added: “We should not underestimate the impact the loss of a fast off-peak service has on efforts to improve the economic development potential of Nuneaton, particularly in terms of attracting new business. This is an issue I will continue to raise as an MP as I believe it is of fundamental importance that our town has far greater train services than we currently do.”