Thursday 8 December 2016

Business leader London Chamber condemns decision not to devolve London bound rail service to TfL

Following the news that Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP has decided not to hand over the running of suburban rail services to Transport for London, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that the move is a backward step.

LCCI has repeatedly called for the move in an effort to improve reliability and punctuality for commuters and avoid damaging the economy.

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: "We are extremely disappointed in this decision by Chris Grayling. Under the previous government we had seen the real possibility of coming to a sensible arrangement where the management of London-bound rail services was transferred to TfL.

"We had hoped that this could be done so as soon as possible to deliver real improvements in frequency and reliability.

"Instead we are left in the same intolerable situation where passengers are subject to delays and cancellations with horrendous costs to the economy.

"Many people have little choice but to live outside London because of housing prices and are forced to rely on commuter trains offering a substandard service day in day out."

ENDS

Media contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:
1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
2. Colin Stanbridge, chief executive is available for further comment and interview.