Erith and Thamesmead MP, Abena Oppong-Asare has challenged the Government’s record on Southeastern Railway failure and called on Southeastern to reverse their proposed timetable changes, due to be introduced on 11th December 2022.
The cuts will result in no direct line to Charing Cross or Waterloo from Abbey Wood, Belvedere, or Erith stations, a reduction in the frequency of trains to London Bridge, and reduced services for residents who use Barnehurst, Bexleyheath, Plumstead, and Slade Green stations in neighbouring constituencies. The changes were proposed without consultation with the public and commuters who rely on those routes.
A Government Minister said yesterday in Parliament, “it is vital that passengers are consulted on any changes to services, whether timetabling or other changes”. The Government owns Southeastern, so it is unclear why they have allowed the operator to press ahead without input from the public.
Abena Oppong-Asare is standing up for commuters and urging Southeastern to reconsider and carry out a full consultation with those impacted. She has engaged with their Chief Executive, demanding answers on behalf of worried commuters.
She had also secured a meeting with the former Transport Minister, but government chaos means there is now a new Minister. Ms Oppong-Asare hopes the new Minister will honour the previous Minister’s commitment to meet with her.
Alongside this, Ms Oppong-Asare has submitted a number of written questions to the Department for Transport, to ask whether they believe the timetable changes are acceptable.
Ms Oppong-Asare has encouraged worried constituents to sign up to updates on her campaign against the cuts on her website, where they can find more information about her work. Constituents can also share their views on the cuts and bring any transport concerns they have to her attention.
Abena Oppong-Asare MP said: “I am supporting residents who are calling for Southeastern to reverse the proposed cuts in services. Timetables need to work for constituents. There has been a lack of consultation, cooperation, and engagement from Southeastern. Working with stakeholders and constituents, we will continue to fight for a reliable and well organised timetable that provides opportunities for all in Erith and Thamesmead and the South East.”
