Transport Committee concern over rail disruption

In response to the recent disruption of rail services in London, the Transport Committee has written to Network Rail concerning the London Bridge improvement works - and the over-running engineering works over Christmas.

[[{"fid":"43379","view_mode":"default","type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"Rail disruption","title":"Rail disruption","height":"200","width":"435","class":"media-element file-default"}}]] The London Bridge improvement works letter requests the following information and assurance to the Committee, regarding services delivered in the week commencing 4 January:

The number of unscheduled train cancellations on routes into and out of London Bridge Station from 4 January and the reasons for these cancellations.

The number of train delays of longer than 30 minutes, for services arriving and departing London Bridge.

Confirmation of whether the signalling problems experienced in the week commencing 4 January are linked to, or separate from, the Thameslink programme works, and what is being done to resolve these problems.

Further information on Network Rail’s policy for cancellation of trains with passengers on board.

The letter regarding Christmas disruption asks what lessons have been learned and what steps will be taken to prevent or mitigate problems in the future. It requests a reponse, covering:

The planning and delivery of engineering work.

The provision of information about service disruptions for passengers.

The adequacy of backup arrangements, given the failure of Finsbury Park to cope with the number of passengers directed to the station.

The Committee would also like to know what compensation will be provided for passengers affected by the disruptions. The letters are attached.