Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has written to Transport Secretary Justine Greening this week outlining his concerns regarding the future of rail services provided on by the West Coast Main Line franchise holder.
Recent reports have suggested that the present line operator, Virgin Trains, may lose out on the Government contract to FirstGroup who it has claimed have offered £7bn to run the services - some £1bn more than Virgin Trains.
Mark said:
“The quality and frequency of Rugby’s rail links both to the capital and across the country are very important to the prosperity of the town and its economy. Many businesses are located here because of our excellent transport links. I am pleased to say that in my two and a half years as Rugby’s MP, I have received no complaints about the level of service from the current operator.”
Mark continued:
"In the current economic climate it is vital that the Government secures the maximum income for the investment it has made in the country’s rail infrastructure. However it is important that all aspects of the bids received by potential operators are taken in to account and this must not be based solely on which bid is the highest.”
Mark concluded:
“I have received a number representations from concerned Rugby residents and I want to assure them that I shall do all I can to ensure that Rugby retains the excellent services it presently enjoys. Accordingly I have written to Transport Secretary Justine Greening this week asking that she ensure that whoever is awarded the franchise they maintain the present quality and frequency of services in and out of Rugby.”