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Train petition was in on time

Sam Lister
25/ 3/2003

COMMUTERS' demands for better train services have been taken to the House of Commons.

James Purnell petitioned passengers at Stalybridge station last year, collecting more than 500 signatures.

The fed-up commuters queued up to talk to the Stalybridge and Hyde MP about their need for more frequent and reliable train services.

It followed big cuts earlier in the year when current franchise holder Arriva announced a new timetable.

Direct services to Liverpool and Warrington were pulled and off peak east bound trains to areas such as Middlesborough, Scarborough, York and Sunderland were also reduced.

Arriva will no longer run Stalybridge services when its franchise runs out this year and train companies are now bidding to take over.

Mr Purnell presented the petition to the Strategic Rail Authority at the House of Commons.

He said: "I was very pleased to present my petition to the SRA.

"It was due to the strength of feeling among the travelling public that I contacted the SRA and put to them the immediate concerns of local commuters.

"In particular, I emphasised the need for more capacity on trains at peak hours through Stalybridge. Currently, there are not enough carriages on trains to hold commuters comfortably.

"The SRA listened to all I put to them and told me that they were hopeful of announcing the winner of the TransPennine Express franchise soon, after which we can press ahead with really improving capacity, reliability and frequency of our local rail services.

"I am in regular touch with the train operating companies bidding for the TransPennine Express and the SRA in order to get the best deal for local travellers and will continue to work hard on behalf of commuters."