Lib Dem Leader Slams Local Rail Company

Figures released by Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat group show that local rail company Thameslink have been responsible for a 60% increase in train delay times from April 2000 to December 2001.

Figures, obtained from the railway industry, show actual delay times in minutes and whether the cause of delay was due to Railtrack or the train operating company. Both of which failed to show up in figures released by the government earlier in the week.

Michael Headley, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Bedford Borough Council, said:

"These figures are more accurate than those issued by the government. They show where all the blame lies. The latest increases in delays, which are the responsibility of both Railtrack and Thameslink, make a mockery of the ridiculously high fares on our trains. It is now possible to see that levels of delays vary widely across the country and it is possible to identify those companies that are worst performing. Delays caused by Thameslink themselves have rocketed, the 60% increase in minutes of delay is the fifth largest in the country and is simply not acceptable."

He added:

"Thameslink claim to carryout 120,000 passenger journeys a day, many of those travelling are from the Bedford Borough area and I have spoken to passengers who are completely dissatisfied with this level of delay. I have written to Thameslink demanding an explanation for this increase in delays and an explanation as to what will be done to reduce this level."