Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard has asked Northern Rail chiefs to justify the company’s continued poor performance.
Mr Maynard has asked for an urgent meeting to discuss the delays and cancellations which continue to plague services between Blackpool and Preston. He is concerned staffing and training issues at Northern continue to impact operations. With new trains now arriving in the UK Mr Maynard believes robust plans need to be in place to avoid further issues.
He said: “I am aware of the continued problems Northern passengers are facing. I understand trains continue to be cancelled because drivers are not available, a problem which should have been resolved by this point. Of particular concern are Sunday operations, where Northern is cancelling a high number of trains on a weekly basis because staff are not contractually obliged to work.
“While Northern has promised it is dealing with this situation, I have not been advised how it intends to make more staff available for Sunday duties. Alongside industrial action by the RMT, this issue is significantly affecting weekend leisure travel and it needs to be addressed.”
Mr Maynard believes it is time Blackpool rail passengers were able to properly enjoy the benefits of a £255m investment in Blackpool’s railway.
He said: “The new railway has delivered better connectivity with an increase in the number of trains between Blackpool and London.
“Those making journeys closer to home need to be able to share in these positives. Northern’s performance has improved since May but remains below the standard expected. The company needs to work hard to resolve its issues and to earn back the confidence of the travelling public.
“I have made clear to the managing director the frustrations of my constituents. There is good news, not least brand new trains for the North West which are ready for testing and should enter service from December. But these positive steps continue to be overshadowed by ongoing performance issues.
“I have asked Northern to confirm for me it has adequate staff, with adequate training to operate its timetable in full and I await the company’s response.”