Watchdog comments on Times article
London TravelWatch, the watchdog for transport users in London and the surrounding area, commented on the article and leader in today's Times concerning First Great Western (FGW).
London TravelWatch confirms that, with one small exception, the article is accurate. London TravelWatch did indeed receive two letters from solicitors acting for First Great Western following its letter to the Department of Transport (DfT) asking the Government to review the franchise, because in its view, FGW may have been in breach of its franchise agreement in a number of areas.
Brian Cooke, Chairman, London TravelWatch, said: "We were amazed when we heard from First Group's solicitors and still believe our letter to the DfT was entirely accurate and based on the most recent confirmed data available. We have a legal obligation, under the Greater London Authority Act, to report any possible breaches of franchise agreements to the DfT, and we were only fulfilling that legal obligation. It is simply astonishing that we should be threatened for performing our statutory role. However, subsequent meetings with FGW have proved valuable and we believe they are now putting in place actions that should bring about an improvement for passengers very soon."
London TravelWatch has, since writing the letter on 12 July, had a number of productive meetings with First Group. Following one with Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive, First Group they withdrew the threat of legal action.
The small inaccuracy in The Times article is that the performance target on FGW's London and Thames Valley section of 92% peak time trains within five minutes of published time is the target given to passengers in FGW's Passenger Charter. It is not believed to be a contractual commitment.
Brian Cooke concluded: "It is not only London TravelWatch that has been critical about FGW's performance. A number of MPs have raised the issue in Parliament, the London Assembly unanimously passed a resolution about FGW's poor performance and the Mayor, Ken Livingstone, has publicly supported our action. We make no apologies for the action we took on behalf of passengers, and await the DfT's reply to our original letter which we will publish."
Notes
1. London TravelWatch is the operating name for the London Transport Users Committee. We are the official watchdog representing the interests of transport users in and around London, and independent of the transport operators and government. London TravelWatch is sponsored and funded by the London Assembly, part of the Greater London Authority.
2. Section 252C (3)(c) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 requires London Transport Users Committee (the statutory name of London TravelWatch) to refer matters to the Secretary of State where it has reason for believing that a franchisee in relation to a franchise agreement is contravening the provisions of the agreement, or is lively to do so.
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The voice of London's transport users
13 August 2007