MPs condemn Network Rail as delays continue into third day
MPs have condemned the ongoing disruption on the rail network as commuters faced a third day of delays and cancellations.
Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat transport spokesman, said the late running engineering works amounted to a “fiasco” from Network Rail, with services still cancelled on the West Coast mainline.
Normal service has now resumed at London Liverpool Street station but early morning commuters continued to experience disruption, with some routes terminating at Stratford.
Network Rail, which is now facing a substantial fine over the festive disruption, said it expected service to return to normal by 05:00 GMT on Friday.
With the network beset with problems at the same time as inflation-busting fare rises come into force, shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said passengers were on the “end of a real double whammy”.
Virgin Trains has been forced to advise passengers not to travel after engineering works overran on the West Coast mainline.
Works were supposed to be completed by New Year’s Day but because of a shortage of specialist engineers itis still ongoing at Rugby, forcing line closures between Birmingham International and Northampton.
Late-running engineering works at Liverpool Street, where a Victorian bridge has been demolished, also meant train operator One has been unable to restore full services to the central London terminal until late this morning.
Mr Baker condemned the ongoing disruption.
“This is a disgraceful way to run a railway,” he said. “Passengers need to be able to plan their journeys with confidence.”
Mr Baker continued: “I understand in the case of Liverpool Street station that the operator itself was not told of the problems until midnight, which is completely unacceptable.
“We have to question why, when there are so many engineering works going on for so long, we still have such a poor service.”
The Tories called on Network Rail to “get its act together”. Ms Villiers added: “Passengers deserve a lot better than the treatment they are getting”.
Network Rail has apologised for the disruption. It cannot confirm when full services will be restored but insists it is working “flat out” to complete engineering work.
The Office of Rail Regulation is now investigating the delays and is likely to fine Network Rail, with the penalty certain to be several million pounds.
The latest disruption comes as above-inflation fare rises cause further passenger dissatisfaction.
Ms Villiers said it was no wonder many train passengers would be considering whether they are getting value for money.
The Liberal Democrats warned passengers are being forced of the railways because of the cost of train tickets.
“Under Labour the cost of motoring has actually fallen, while the cost of using the trains has gone through the roof,” Mr Baker said.
