Nick calls for an urgent debate on the performance of GTR and Network Rail

Nick's question to the Leader of the House on the disruption to GTR services arising from the new timetable

Nick Herbert (Arundel and South Downs)

The new rail timetable had already disadvantaged my constituents in Hassocks, increasing journey times and withdrawing peak time services, but the introduction has been a complete shambles with the cancellation and withdrawal of services on a daily basis that continues to disadvantage my constituents.

Can we have an urgent debate on the abysmal performance of Govia Thameslink Rail and Network Rail so that these organisations can be held to account?

The Leader of the House of Commons (Andrea Leadsom)

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise what must be a hugely frustrating experience for his constituents.  The disruption to Govia Thameslink Railway service has been completely unacceptable and the Secretary of State for Transport has himself apologised for the disruption passengers are experiencing.  

DfT is working round the clock with GTR to stabilise the services, including monitoring ongoing performance and agreeing a revised, more consistent timetable.  But I do hope that my honourable friend will encourage his constituents to apply for GTR's Delay Repay compensation, so that they can get their money back on all affected journeys.