A new online petition has been launched calling on London Midland to be stripped of the contract to run the cross-city line.

londonmidlandThe train operator has come under fire over the Lichfield to Redditch service.

And now commuter Andrew Henshaw has called for the Government to intervene.

“London Midland are still providing a poor service to customers on the cross-city line,” he said.

“People are being made late for work and are being placed on final warnings for punctuality.

“The Government needs to remove the franchise from London Midland and have an operator who will provide a reliable service.”

The company admitted there had been a “dip” in punctuality on the route in recent weeks, but insisted that some of the issues were out of its hands.

“We are sorry that passengers travelling on the cross-city line have seen a recent dip in performance following improvements over the last ten months,” a spokesperson said.

“Seasonal adverse weather conditions and leaf fall present serious safety challenges for all rail operating companies. This and a number of track and signalling problems has accounted for the majority of delays our passengers have experienced in recent weeks.

“London Midland runs six trains per hour on the cross-city line, a route which is shared with other train operators north of New Street, at New Street itself and to the south. As a result, just one train running slightly late has a major knock on effect and leads to heavy congestion getting into and out of Birmingham New Street station.

“We appreciate that any delay or cancellation to a passenger’s journey is frustrating and apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

The Government’s e-petitions system requires 100,000 signatures to be gathered before the issue could be discussed in Parliament.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Hayley
10 years ago

Where’s the link I’ll sign it with no hesitation whatsoever!!!