Chris Nicholson joins calls for FCC to be stripped of franchise

4.07.00pm GMT Fri 22nd Jan 2010

First Capital Connect admitted this week that the Thameslink service has been "appalling" and "totally inadequate" at a meeting with Chris Nicholson, the Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Streatham and GLA Transport Committee chair, Caroline Pidgeon.

Chris asked for the meeting as disruptions on First Capital Connect's service worsened over the last months. First Capital Connect's Larry Heyman apologised for the reduced timetable, the inability of trains to run in the snow and incorrect information provided to customers. He acknowledged that some train motors struggled to cope with the snow and said that these would be replaced by next month.

--More than a third of trains delayed--

Figures released today showed that just 62.8% of Thameslink trains ran less than 5 mins late in the period between 13 December 2009 to 9 January 2010. In the same period, 11.7% of all services were cancelled. During this entire period, the service was operating on a reduced timetable, so the proportion of trains operating on time relative to the regular timetable would be even lower.

FCC trains were running late again today on the Bedford to Brighton line and some consisted of just four carriages instead of the normal eight. Other trains stopped short of their advertised destination or did not stop at all stops.

--New compensation package for commuters--

At the meeting with Chris and Caroline, FCC announced that they will give a rebate equivalent to at least 10 days free travel for the next year. This will apply to season ticket holders who can show they are regular users (i.e. not just those with annual season tickets). Full details and how to apply will be announced by the end of the month. FCC also agreed to be flexible in what proof they required of regular users and to consider how they would compensate those who only travel on Thameslink 2 or 3 days a week. [2]

--Government inaction--

At the meeting with Caroline and Chris, the First Capital Connect spokesman admitted that the Government approved all the reduced timetable for FCC trains before Christmas.The Department for Transport have not even started the first stage of the franchise termination process by calling the company in to explain its poor performance.

Caroline Pidgeon said: "Government Ministers say they will hold FCC to account for poor service, but we have discovered that they haven't backed these words up with the bold action needed. In fact, they approved the reduced timetable. Actions speak louder than words and commuters have been let down by Labour again."

Chris Nicholson said: "I am pleased that FCC now recognise how appalling the service has been, but I am shocked that the Government has done nothing to hold the company to account. That's why I support Lib Dem moves in Parliament to commence steps to end the franchise. Should First Capital Connect dramatically improve, the termination process can always be stopped, but it's important that FCC know this situation can't continue. We will continue to press the company to provide full compensation to affected customers and most importantly, improve the reliability of the service."

--Lib Dem calls to strip FCC of franchise--

In contrast to Government inaction, Liberal Democrats are leading efforts to defend the interests of local commuters. Lib Dem MP Paul Burstow tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government "to serve immediate notice to terminate the franchise agreement with First Capital Connect and to offer the franchise to a more capable organisation". Local Lib Dem Councillors Julian Heather, Ashley Lumsden and Brian Palmer are calling on Labour MP for Streatham Keith Hill, to back the motion. Councillor Heather said: "Here is a chance for our Labour MP Keith Hill to show he takes FCC customers' concerns seriously."

--How to claim refunds for delays--

The existing refund policy for delays applies on top of the new package. Users can get a 50% refund if their journey is delayed 30 minutes and a 100% refund if the journey is delayed an hour. This also applies to train cancellations. So if you go for the 7.18am train and the next train is cancelled and the 7.48am train is delayed by 5 minutes, you are entitled to a 50% refund. Claims have to be made within 28 days but FCC say they will be flexible.

To apply for a refund visit www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/delayrepay, call Customer Relations: 0845 0264700 or collect a 'Delay Repay' claim form from any FCC ticket office.