Reigate Conservative Candidate Crispin Blunt has expressed strong support for the Conservative Party’s manifesto commitments for better rail services.

The manifesto pledges:

• A focus on creating extra capacity on the railways, which will ease overcrowding, bring new lines and stations, and improve existing routes;
• increased services on main line and commuter routes, and the launch new services to places which are poorly served or host major new housing projects;
• a review of rail ticketing, removing complexity and perverse pricing;
• the introduction of a passenger ombudsman to stand up for the interests of rail users suffering a poor deal;
• the government to work with train companies and their employees to agree minimum service levels during periods of industrial dispute – and if a voluntary agreement cannot be found, legislate to make this mandatory;
• investment of £40 billion into transport improvements across the United Kingdom over the rest of this decade.

Crispin Blunt commented:

“Having campaigned actively for improved rail services over the years and for a better deal for rail users who have endured delays, cancellations and strikes over recent years, I am delighted to see clear commitments on infrastructure, services and ticketing in the manifesto.

“In view of the anomalously high fares faced by local rail users and my campaign for simplification of local rail fares through the extension of Zone 6, I am particularly pleased that there will be a review of rail ticketing to remove complexity and perverse pricing. I will continue to press for zonal fares and hope to enlist the new passenger ombudsman’s support in achieving fairer fares and compensation.

“I am also four-square behind minimum service levels during strike action, backed up by legislation if necessary.

“Local passengers have suffered huge inconvenience due to the politically-motivated strikes and also because of the London Bridge upgrade works. I hope the coming years will be happier with further upgrading stations, rolling stock and railway infrastructure, and equitable pricing mechanisms for all rail users.”