Boosting train services from Maidenhead and Twyford

Good train services from Maidenhead and Twyford to London are crucial, both for commuters who live in the local area and for local businesses. Theresa has worked with First Great Western (FGW) over a number of years to press for improved services, particularly on morning and evening peak trains – which are currently among the busiest in the UK. There have been improvements over recent years but more progress is needed. Meanwhile, the development of Crossrail will be important for the local area and Theresa is working to ensure that it results in enhanced services to and from London.

Last year, commuters were given a boost with the news that FGW had reached an agreement with the Department for Transport to provide extra carriages on Thames Valley services, which will ensure that local services benefit from nearly 4,500 additional seats each day on peak services. The extra carriages will be deployed on morning and evening peak services. The total cost of providing these services will be £28.9 million up to 2013.

Despite this welcome news, Theresa is continuing to monitor the situation and frequently raises issues of concern with FGW on behalf of constituents, as well as holding meetings with FGW management to discuss Maidenhead and Twyford services.

The next few years will see the renewal of the Great Western rail franchise and the development of Crossrail, which is due to terminate at Maidenhead. Both of these issues will provide important opportunities to ensure that services in the local area continue to improve and that problems of over-capacity are addressed.

Theresa has also welcomed the news that the Government will support a new western rail link to Heathrow, which will cut journey times to the airport and further enhance the Thames Valley’s appeal to businesses.