Train delays get worse and still the fares go up
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I am a regular user and see this at first hand. One of our MPs tells us it will not get appreciatively better any time soon. Another opines that passengers will not continue to pay if the service remains unreliable. The fact is that those passengers don’t have any choice.
What your paper is yet to mention is the reported plan by Southern to remove guards from some or all trains, and make them driver only. The RMT trade union has called on MPs to oppose this move, not least on the grounds of public safety. Will our MPs oppose any proposal to remove guards?
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Hide AdIt would also be good to see MPs press for public ownership of the railways. We can then do away with the subsidies paid to operators, and plan investment for a modern system of transport at lower cost.
It is reported that 10,000 Southern commuters have signed a petition calling for this. It is encouraging that the Labour Party is campaigning to nationalise as franchises come up for renewal, or if operators fail. That would be a good first step. Will local MPs support it?
Bill Johnson
Linden Road
Littlehampton
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