Greg has written to the new Managing Director of Southeastern to ask why a number of fundamental improvements to the local rail service were not included in the new Direct Award agreement.

Greg said:

"It is extremely disappointing that the Direct Award agreement does not address some of the fundamental concerns of local rail passengers such as the significant difference in the cost of rail fares between Southeastern and Southern. An annual season ticket from Eridge to London is around £1,500 cheaper than that from Tunbridge Wells which I think is far too big a difference. I
would also have liked to have seen the introduction of more flexible ticketing using smart card technology, especially for part-time workers. This Direct Award agreement is a missed opportunity and I believe rail passengers deserve much better.

"I've written today to Southeastern's new Managing Director and the Rail Minister to ask why these commitments have not been made and how this can be corrected in the future."

The Direct Award agreement allows Southeastern to operate train services until June 2018, at which point a comprehensive re-franchising exercise will take place.