Peterborough MP vows to fast track concerns over new rail services to London before House of Commons
A growing number of rail commuters from Peterborough are calling for action to improve train services to London, it has been claimed.
Concerns have been voiced at recent timetable changes that have created a 40 minute gap in key morning services to the capital but a number of people have also complained about the frequency of services during the rest of the day as well.
Now Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes has vowed to raise the concerns of city commuters before MPs in the New Year.
Mr Pakes vowed: “With the right pressure we can get LNER to end the morning gap and to look at other problems in the timetable."
Anger over services was first raised early last month when LNER introduced the biggest timetable change on the East Coast Main Line for about 10 years.
But at the heart of commuters’ concerns was a 41 minute gap between the 7.34am service to London and the 8.15am service.
Travellers complained that the lack of trains to the capital during this key time was a reduction in services and that it was particularly frustrating when other LNER services to London passed through the station during that time without stopping.
Mr Pakes said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has been in touch with me with problems to do with the new LNER timetable.
"Peterborough is home to a lot of regular travellers and the new gaps in services to and from London are bad news.
"“I’ve already spoken to the Minister and LNER about the challenges.
"A 40-minute gap in fast-services to London in the morning peak period is unacceptable.
"It is particularly frustrating that, during this gap, those waiting at the platform will have to watch as several LNER services pass through the station without stopping.
"LNER have said they will look at the issue again, but we need to keep the pressure up.
"Travellers have also raised issues with the frequency of services from London to Peterborough at certain times of the day.
"I will be raising these issues further when Parliament returns in the New Year.”
An LNER spokesperson said: "Overall, the new East Coast Main Line timetable is a positive change for Peterborough, with a total of 18 additional services every weekday between the city and London, and improved connectivity to other destinations on the route.
"We are already in communication with Andrew Pakes MP and other local stakeholders about morning services.
"We will be monitoring the situation and exploring any possibility of adjustments at the next industry timetable change."