Brighton and Hove’s main train operator – Southern – faces being fined for poor performance, according to a local MP.
Lewes MP Maria Caulfield, a former member of Brighton and Hove City Council, said that the prospect of Southern being fined came up during a meeting with Rail Minister Claire Perry.
Ms Caulfield said that she raised further concerns about the poor state of local rail services.
She said: “The minister confirmed that if performance does not markedly improve in the new year, then the government will begin to impose heavy fines on the rail company.
“The list of problems that continues to plagues the railways, and hence the travelling public, includes cancellations of morning commuter trains, signal disruptions and delays.
“Enough is enough. My constituents are absolutely fed up with Southern Rail and its constant refrain of improvements ‘tomorrow’.
“The latest problems, with train cancellations yesterday (Wednesday 18 November) and today to the morning service from Seaford direct to London Victoria, is a classic example of what happens.
“To hear the government is going to start hitting the rail company hard with fines is good news.
“Perhaps, finally, when their bottom line is hit, Southern Rail will listen and take immediate action so that noticeable improvements become clear.”
aren’t they being merged into thameslink anyway? they will just pass any cost on in inflation-busting ticket rises in January