Lichfield’s MP has called for a “seamless transition” when the franchise change takes place on the West Coast Main Line.
Virgin Trains will hand over the service after FirstGroup’s bid to operate services – which stop at Lichfield Trent Valley – was chosen by the Government.
The news has sparked fierce debate among industry experts, but Michael Fabricant MP has called on both companies to ensure passengers don’t suffer during the switchover.
“My prime concern is to ensure that commuter services between Lichfield Trent Valley and London and the North are not impaired in any way by this change,” he said.
“There must be a seamless transition in service from one company to another and I shall be in contact with the Secretary of State for Transport and the Office of Rail Regulator to ensure that this happens. This is vital for the economy of Lichfield District.
“Standards of service are set by the Department of Transport and I will be pressing Justine Greening, the Secretary of State, to ensure that no services – either during the working week or at weekends – are curtailed. And I hope that we might see additional services.
“I shall also be asking the new Chief Executive of First West Coast Limited to meet members of the Lichfield Commuters’ Club to outline their proposals.
“I enjoyed a constructive relationship with Virgin Trains who were often very helpful in making timetable changes at our request for the benefit of Lichfield commuters and the economy of the area. I hope that First West Coast will be as equally helpful.”
