Yvette Cooper MP

 

Yvette stands up against reduction in service

Yvette Cooper has spoken of her anger at plans by train company Grand Central to reduce the Pontefract – London service from next month.

From 11th December, trains will stop less frequently at Pontefract as Grand Central re-route the service. Grand Central argue that this will speed up journeys, and make the service more attractive to users from elsewhere.

But Yvette is arguing that this is unfair on local people who rely on the Pontefract – London route for work and will make it easier for the company to end stops at Pontefract altogether. 

Yvette said:

“This is a shocking decision by Grand Central only two years after the service first opened. When they were originally granted rights to the line, one of the conditions was that it served Pontefract and it was on this basis that I gave my support. 

I’ve written to them explaining the impact this will have on local users and made it clear that I will oppose any reduction in service or attempt to end stops at Pontefract but after months of pushing, we’ve still not had any answers from them. 

I’m also speaking to the Office of Rail Regulation and arguing that the company hasn’t given the line a chance.

The ORR needs to get tough with Grand Central on this issue, and the company needs to get serious about answering questions about the change in service, which will have a huge impact on the lives of some local people.”