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December 04, 2005
Latest official answer
To me, via my MP
"The Greater Western franchise will commence in April 2005, with the proposed timetable being introduced in December 2006. Under the proposal the trains that run from Swindon to Westbury are planned to be reduced from five trains a day to two trains a day. These trains are lightly loaded, require significant subsidy and are poor value for money. The remaining two trains will be timed to allow for commuting journeys between Melksham and Swindon. Feedback from consultees will be used in negotiations with the preferred bidder whilst finalising the specification for the new frachise - DEREK TWIGG"
Signed by Derek Twigg, a minister at the Department for Transport, on 8th November. Forwarded to me by my MP on 28th November, received within the last couple of days.
I note the work "proposal" still in use and that feeback WILL be used. So there's an encouragement for us to write to Derek at 76 Marsham Street, London SW1 4DR and let him know our views and point out the rapidly growing traffic figures, the usage in spite of all the reliability problems we've had ...
Posted by gje at December 4, 2005 08:14 AM