One Railway Inquiry
Along with fellow Norfolk MPs Norman Lamb and Richard Bacon, Dr Gibson recently held a select committee-style inquiry into the on-going problems with the county’s One Railway services. Prompted by growing commuter frustration at a series of incidents on the Great Eastern Main Line from London Liverpool Street, the investigation was intended to secure constructive improvements over the years to come.
Dr Gibson explains: “The Norwich to London line has got steadily worse and there doesn't seem to be any obvious attempt to sort things out. This inquiry will ask the tough questions to those in charge - and get the answers and action much needed by the rail users.”
A week of disruptions in early September, caused by problems with the overhead powerlines, resulted in passengers being delayed for up to six hours. In light of this, Dr Gibson sought to maximise public involvement with the inquiry, encouraging regular commuters and occasional travellers alike to express their views by contacting the inquiry at a dedicated website and email address. They were also asked to write to their local MPs to recount their experiences.
An inquiry meeting, which took place on December 15, gave Ian and his fellow MPs the opportunity to quiz representatives from One and Network Rail, the train operator which manages the line’s infrastructure. One was represented by managing director Dominic Booth and head of corporate affairs Jonathan Denby. Jon Wiseman, the route director of Network Rail, and Guy Dangerfield of Passenger Focus were also in attendance.
One agreed to bring their planned investment and repair programme forward from 2009 to 2007. They also promised to release the figures on delays during peak travelling times taken over a number of years. This will enable comparative improvements or failings to be measured. They had previously refused to release the information.
Whilst the inquiry members felt that the meeting was largely positive, they were disappointed to learn that Dominic Booth has now stepped down as managing director of One and Network Rail. It has now emerged that he resigned before the Inquiry took place, yet failed to mention this at the Inquiry and made several promises about being commiteed for the long term. It is hoped that the new director will follow Mr Booth’s lead (and stick to his promises!) so that a viable plan of action can be secured to prevent such failures occurring again. The full outcome of the inquiry will be complied in a report, to be published early next year.
Click here to visit the One Railway Inquiry website