Local MP Kevin Foster has noted with great concern the proposals from Arriva (Cross Country Trains)
As things stand, from December 2017 Torquay and Paignton could lose two trains each weekday to Birmingham and Manchester. Constituents in Torquay and Paignton (and much needed tourists!) would therefore be left with just one weekday train to Birmingham and Manchester, and no direct train to Torquay and Paignton from Manchester and Birmingham.
Equally worrying – Cross Country makes NO reference in the document to the future of direct services between Torquay/Paignton and Manchester/Birmingham at the weekends.
Comment from Kevin Foster MP:
“I am disappointed to say the least about these proposals from Arriva/Cross Country Trains – and the manner in which they have announced them. There has been no press release or briefing to local Members of Parliament, and they issues relating to Torbay are hidden away in part of a 50 page consultation document contained on the train company’s website. Not good enough!
I cannot accept these proposals as they currently stand, as they will negatively impact on both my constituents and equally our much needed and valued visitors. I simply do not recognise the figures put forward by Cross Country to attempt to justify these changes – I frequently use the Birmingham/Manchester service myself and it is inevitably very busy. Put simply – we should be making it easier for people to visit the Bay, and these changes will make it more difficult.
I have requested a meeting with the CEO of Cross Country Trains this week, and will also be raising the issue in person with the Secretary of State for Transport”