I have called on the Government’s rail operators to invest in the Uckfield Railway Line. The line is the only service that operates at stations within the constituency, including Crowborough and Eridge, and has been subject to an amended timetable for several weeks.
There have also been reports of frequent last-minute cancellations and concerns that the rail replacement service is not fit for purpose. Operators continue to cite hot weather among other reasons for not running the trains.
At a meeting yesterday with the rail operator, I questioned bosses about the lack of reliable and up-to-date information on their websites, as well as the disparity in fares for seemingly comparable journeys, citing that Uckfield to London is £37 and Berwick to London is £78, both approximately 1:15 minute journeys to the City.
I share my constituents concerns and know first-hand how unreliable this route can be. The PR teams are quick to issue excuses for cancellations and amendments, but bosses seem unable to give a clear plan for investment and improvement in the service.
We should also bear in mind that our area is going to be subjected to thousands more homes, yet rail operators are unaware of the future demand they are likely to have to deal with and have admitted to not speaking to the Government’s housing department about meeting that need.
Whilst I welcome their assurances that they are doing what they can and that they will review their communications, I see very little in the way of concrete evidence in the government’s intentions for the future investment in the line. We are all fed up with being kick out at stations that have no taxis, buses, or mobile signal.
I will continue to press for improvements on the line. If you continue to experience problems, please do contact me.
