Asked by: Anna Firth (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his planned timetable is for introducing contactless ticketing in Southend West constituency.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
We have announced that Contactless Pay as you go (PAYG) ticketing will be rolled out to Chalkwell and Leigh-on-Sea in during 2024. This is part of our commitment to rollout contactless PAYG to more stations across the south east. Further details on the exact date for launch will be announced in due course.
Asked by: Anna Firth (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 8 January 2024 to Question 7460 on Chalkwell Station: Construction, for what reason the hon. Member for Southend West has not been notified when work on site is due to commence.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Further to the answer of 8th January 2024, discussions continue to agree a date for the start of work at Chalkwell station. I reaffirm the commitment to notify the hon member when a date has been agreed and hope to be able to provide that information by the start of Spring.
Asked by: Anna Firth (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will attend a local transport summit in Southend West constituency.
Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government regularly engages with bus operators and Local Transport Authorities to deliver better bus services for passengers as set out in the National Bus Strategy. I would welcome the opportunity to attend a local transport summit, either in-person or virtually, in the honourable member's constituency subject to availability.
Asked by: Anna Firth (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate he has made of when work will begin on the (a) accessible lift and (b) bridge at Chalkwell station.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Network Rail have now completed the design for an Access for All scheme at Chalkwell station. A delivery contractor was appointed on 8 December and the hon member will be notified when work on site is due to commence.
Asked by: Anna Firth (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure train stations are wheelchair accessible.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
As part of the Prime Minister’s Network North announcement in October, the Government confirmed £350m will be made available to improve the accessibility of Britain’s train stations. We are assessing over 300 nominations for funding from April 2024 as part of the Access for All programme. At stations awarded funding we will deliver an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to platforms. Successful nominations will be announced in due course.
Asked by: Anna Firth (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to improve accessibility at Chalkwell station.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Network Rail have now completed the design for an Access for All scheme at Chalkwell station. A delivery contractor was appointed on 8 December and a date for the start of works on site will be confirmed shortly.