MP campaigns for train improvements in Cambridge

12.00.00am GMT Sat 26th Aug 2006

David Howarth, MP for Cambridge, has taken the campaign against the new train ticket restrictions to the Managing Director of First Capital Connect.

Mr. Howarth met with Elaine Holt, Managing Director, to discuss the ticket restrictions which prevent cheap day and off-peak tickets being used on trains from London King's Cross to Cambridge between 4.30 and 7.00pm on weekdays. The company introduced the restrictions in order to reduce overcrowding. Mr. Howarth is campaigning for the capacity of the line to be increased, rather than the prices.

Mr. Howarth commented:

"People in Cambridge have been very worried over the new ticket restrictions, especially when they have seen no real improvements to the service. First Capital Connect needs to provide us with a good, reliable and affordable service.

"I was pleased to hear that the company is now looking into how to increase the capacity of the route, and is considering increasing the number of carriages to 12 on some trains. This is the sort of improvement that is needed, not price rises or new restrictions. However, progress so far has been very slow and so we need to keep up the pressure to make sure improvements are made.

"The Department of Transport will have to give their blessing to any changes that are made to the service, such as longer or more frequent trains, and so I will be pressing the case with them to make sure that we get the train service we need in Cambridge."