As part of his campaign to make cycling easier and safer in Tunbridge Wells, Greg Clark MP has called on the Managing Director of Southeastern, Charles Horton, to improve cycle facilities at the town's train station.
Greg commented:
"I arranged to meet Charles Horton today to discuss the recent disruption to rail services and also the ten priorities that I asked Southeastern to incorporate into their Direct Award agreement which covers their next four years of operation. Top of this list was reducing rail fares, introducing smart card technology and reducing congestion on trains.
"Also on the list was providing more cycle storage at train stations so I took the opportunity to show Charles Horton the current facilities at Tunbridge Wells station which I think could be much better. More people will be encouraged to cycle to the station if they are guaranteed secure and easy cycle parking."
Greg is launching a campaign to make cycling safer and easier in Tunbridge Wells at a public meeting on cycling on Thursday 21 November 2013 at 7.30pm in Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.
Greg's list of improvements he has asked Southeastern to incorporate into their Direct Award agreement which covers the next four years of operation is as follows:
- Reduce fares from Tunbridge Wells, High Brooms & Paddock Wood to bring into line with Southern's (Annual season ticket from Eridge to London is £1464 cheaper than that from Tunbridge Wells to London).
- Introduce season tickets for part-time workers using smart card technology
- Introduce reduced priced tickets for very early morning commuter services and later evening peak trains to ease crowding at peak times, along with off-peak season tickets.
- Ensure 12 carriage trains on all peak services
- Provide late night trains on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Provide more secure cycle storage at all stations and introduce bicycle booking system
- Reduce cost of station car-parking.
- Introduce wi-fi on trains.
- Provide through Gatwick-Tonbridge-Ashford hourly all day service in partnership with Gatwick Airport.
- Supply performance information on a line-by-line basis
This list was formulated in consultation with Tunbridge Wells & District Rail Travellers' Association.
