London rail users get third class service from Mayor

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th May 2003

Basic levels of customer service should be essentials, not luxuries

Why are London rail users still struggling with an unreliable, filthy and unsafe rail network?

At tomorrow's Assembly's Question Time, Lib Dem transport spokesperson Lynne Featherstone will criticise the Mayor for his fruitless three years in office and failure to take a firm lead in tackling the capital's disgraceful rail system.

She will question why he has missed the opportunity to develop sufficiently good working relationships with the train companies to push for better rail services:

"Many Londoners rely on local trains to get to work, visit friends and relatives or to travel to leisure facilities. But progress towards providing a modern, efficient service seems to be stuck on a red light."

"The Mayor must talk to Network Rail and the train operating companies and put pressure on them to raise standards. There needs to be real improvements in service. If a train is dirty, it should be cleaned. If litter blights the track embankments, it should be picked up. If a train is going to be late, passengers should be told without delay. And if a station is unsafe, security should be tightened.

"Passengers pay a great deal in fares and such basic levels of customer service should be essentials, not luxuries. For many years, they have been promised an improved rail service. It is time they experienced it."