Senior management from First Capital Connect and Network Rail are to be questioned on the rail companies’ performance by St Albans City and District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny (Public Services) Committee on Thursday, 26 January 2012.
At a meeting in July 2011, the Committee raised with management of both companies a number of issues relating to the Thameslink Service operating from St Albans City Station. It was particularly concerned about delays with the service, the need for prompt and clear communication with commuters at times of disruption and the clarity and consistency of the compensation policy for commuters. The Committee asked First Capital Connect and Network Rail to return in six months time to review progress on the implementation of their action plan. This review will now take place on 26 January.
Councillor Robert Donald, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny (Public Services) Committee at the Council, said: “Following the Committee’s questioning of First Capital Connect and Network Rail last July, members are anxious to hear what improvements have been made regarding better communication with passengers when there are problems and delays to the train service and to the compensation policy, which I feel has been unclear and inconsistent in the past. The Committee will be keen to hear how much of the action plan, that the representatives of both rail companies informed us about at the last meeting, has actually been implemented since then. However, very recent delays and problems to the service indicate that there is still considerable work to do on both these issues. Local commuters are fast losing patience with the explanations and excuses and, on their behalf, we will robustly press both companies regarding the progress or lack of it on these matters at the meeting. If any residents have got recent experience of problems with either First Capital Connect or Network Rail, please contact the Scrutiny Support Officer and these will also be put to the rail companies.”
The Committee would also like to hear from local commuters with their views about the service provided by both companies by 20 January. Anyone who wishes to raise any issues can email scrutiny@stalbans.gov.uk or write to Catherine Comfort, Scrutiny Support Officer, St Albans City and District Council, Council Offices, Civic Centre. Questions will either be addressed at the meeting or receive a written response.
The meeting on Thursday, 26 January will be open to the public. If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, you can view a webcast of the meeting live or at a later date on the Council’s website at: http://www.stalbans.ukcouncil.net/site/ . People with access to an appropriate computer with broadband internet access and Microsoft Windows media player will be able to view the meeting. The agenda for the meeting will be available shortly on the Council’s website at: http://stalbans.moderngov.co.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=134
