I am delighted that the Transport Secretary has announced a series of measures to be introduced at our local rail stations as part of the Passenger Benefit Fund (PBF) Programme.
Following Govia Thameslink Railway's unacceptable performance following the introduction of its May 2018 timetable, the Government committed to holding GTR to account and, as a result, GTR are contributing £15 million toward tangible improvements for passengers.
The fund has been allocated based on the disruption at each station, and I have been clear since becoming your MP that this money must place improvements to passengers at the heart of the works.
Locally, this means the following for our stations:
Carshalton - £50,000 in improvements to:
- seating
- cycle parking
- pigeon netting improvements
- landscaping
- signage
- new WC floor
- waiting rooms repaint
- defibrillator
Carshalton Beeches - £30,000 in improvements to:
- refurbishment of toilets / waiting room
- covered cycle parking
- CIS
- defibrillator
Hackbridge - £50,000 in improvements to:
- seating
- canopy over TVM
- shelter on up platform
- signage
- CIS
- defibrillator
Wallington - £30,000 in improvements to:
- waiting shelter
- seating - supply
- defibrillator
These improvements will have a positive impact and will be of real benefit to passengers.
That said, my work to improve frequency of services and press for more reliability for commuters continues, as well as campaigning for improved accessibility, and - as always - I would welcome thoughts and comments from residents.
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash.