Robertson to Meet Chairman of Southeastern Trains

Hugh Robertson MP is to meet Charles Horton, Chairman of Southeastern Trains to push the case for Faversham to receive more high speed trains.

Hugh Robertson, the MP for Faversham, is to meet the Chairman of Southeastern trains, Charles Horton, to push the case for Faversham to receive more high speed trains. He has also secured an undertaking from the company to attend a public meeting in the town, once the new timetable is published, to hear passengers concerns directly.

Southeastern won the franchise on the basis of a draft service specification drawn up by The Strategic Rail Authority and the Department of Transport. Southeastern is currently validating the assumptions on which that specification was based, including passenger numbers and demand, prior to publishing a new draft timetable in the late autumn.

The initial service specification caused considerable disquiet in the town because of the loss of a number of peak time commuter services into Victoria and Cannon Street. There was little support for the new high speed train link to St Pancras.

Hugh Robertson said, “I am delighted that the Chairman of Southeastern has agreed to meet me as the introduction of high speed train services is vital for the future of the town. I will be pressing the Chairman for a greater number of peak time services to help Faversham’s growing commuter population.

I am also delighted that Southeastern have agreed to attend a public meeting in the town, as soon as the new timetable is published, to hear people’s concern’s directly.”