Graham Stuart MP meets Hull Trains Managing Director and vows 'I'm determined to do all I can to improve transport infrastructure in Beverley and Holderness'
Thu 21st February 2019
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart met Louise Cheeseman, Managing Director of Hull Trains, to discuss the company’s plans to turn around its recent history of poor service and to rebuild the trust of East Riding residents.
Graham said: “Time and time again, at my street surgeries and by letter, my constituents have expressed their frustration at the regularity of Hull Trains cancellations and delays. The often hours of additional journey time that my constituents have put up with has significantly impacted on their quality of life.
“I know that many of my constituents are looking forward to the December delivery of a fleet of state-of-the-art Class 802 trains constructed by Hitachi Rail. This fleet of hi-tech trains is expected to modernise the region’s rail experience by resulting in a faster, more reliable and comfortable Hull Trains service.
“I was pleased to learn that since Christmas, Hull Trains’ service punctuality has improved, and I welcome this news. I recognise Louise Cheeseman’s hard work to get Hull Trains back on track. However, my constituents are concerned about the measures the company is taking ahead of the introduction of the new fleet. Louise assured me that to build on performance recovery in the interim an Intercity High-Speed Train has been added to the company’s stock.
“It is good news that Hull Trains is addressing the flaws that have made rail travel in East Riding so problematic. Yet I am under no illusion; there is much more to be done, not only to improve rail services across East Riding but to ensure that the entire transport infrastructure connecting the villages, towns and cities of this region works to drive economic growth and support the well-being of the population.
“The new Hull Trains fleet will be a positive step towards enhanced connectivity but upgrades to the transport network must be multifaceted. That is why I am looking forward to the £50 million redevelopment of Jock’s Lodge that I worked with Minster and Woodmansey Councillors and ERYC officers to help secure. My meeting with East Yorkshire Motor Services next month will also be an opportunity to discuss solutions to the challenges of rural bus service provision.
“I am determined to do all I can to ensure that my constituents benefit from excellent transport infrastructure, as opposed to tolerating substandard connectivity.”
