Theresa May has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, to seek assurances about the extension of First Great Western’s rail franchise, which means that they will continue to deliver train services from Maidenhead and Twyford until at least March 2019. The Department for Transport announced last week that it intended to negotiate a ‘direct award’ for the franchise, meaning that FGW’s contract would be extended rather than being subject to a fresh bidding process.
The decision will ensure that FGW will continue to provide commuter services on the Great Western line during the period that the line is being electrified and Crossrail is being introduced. FGW have stated that this will “ensure stability during a period when a substantial programme of infrastructure upgrades will take place on the network and new trains are introduced.”
Theresa has written to the Transport Secretary to ask for further information on the benefits that have been secured for commuters as part of the new agreement.
Commenting, Theresa said: “The next few years will see important infrastructure projects that will benefit Maidenhead and Twyford commuters, including electrification of the line and the introduction of Crossrail. It makes sense for FGW to continue to provide services during this time, to ensure continuity and stability.”
“However, since there will not be a full bidding process, local residents will want to know what assurances the Department for Transport has received from FGW regarding the service they will be providing. We need to continue to see progress to cut overcrowding and ensure more reliable and efficient services and I would expect to see clear commitments from FGW in these areas.”
