East Midlands Rail Franchise Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

East Midlands Rail Franchise

Melanie Onn Excerpts
Thursday 11th April 2019

(5 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Jones Portrait Andrew Jones
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The quality of the rolling stock will be upgraded. The rolling stock in this area is indeed quite old. I am fully aware that I do not travel on the line as frequently as my hon. Friend, although I am quite a regular passenger. As we replace trains across our network, we are seeing a much improved service. In this instance, there will be more seats and free wi-fi across the franchise, which should benefit her and those she serves. On stopping at Belper, I will need to do some further investigation and reply separately on that point.

Melanie Onn Portrait Melanie Onn (Great Grimsby) (Lab)
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The franchise system is broken. It does not work for staff or in the interests of passengers. The potential for a direct line between Grimsby and London was scuppered by alleged anti-competitiveness between franchisees. Does not the process need a complete overhaul?