Local MP's lobbying proves success in Parliament
Commmuter who use South West Trains will be gladdened by the news that Oyster pre-pay cards will be accepted from February 2007.
In a parliamentary debate this week, local MP Justine Greening lobbied Alistair Darling for his commitment to the introduction of Oyster pre-pay cards on the passenger rail service.
Speaking in Parliament, Justine Greening said "Pre-paid Oyster cards are now used regularly by my constituents who take the tube, but many who begin their journeys at a main line station want to be able to use flexible tickets there as well. Can the Secretary of State say whether the Government intend the tender document for the South West Trains franchise, which is due to be renewed in February 2007, to mandate franchise bidders to offer pre-pay or flexible ticket systems?"
In his response Mr. Darling said "We want to ensure that Oyster cards-and the next generation of cards-are available not just in Greater London but in the rest of the country, so the invitation to tender, which we will publish shortly, will include that requirement."
Local MP Justine Greening told Neighbournet "I am very pleased that I was able to get some concrete assurances about Oyster cards. I welcome the Secretary of State's agreement that the South Western franchise should be mandated to provided Oyster cards, or the "next generation" of cards for constituents to be able to use pre-pay ticketing."
She continued "It is very good to hear that in addition to this, the government will actually include such provision as a requirement in the tender document.
This is great news for my constituents who use South West Trains and I am pleased I was able to represent concerns about ticketing with such a successful result for local commuters.
"The franchise is renewed next February, so by this time next year we should have seen some real improvements in local ticketing services. I've already got assurances from South West trains to replace the old, unreliable ticket machines with new ones next month in April, so that should help queues, but use of prepay Oyster tickets and being able to charge them up will also help cut ticket queues."
March 23, 2006