London Midland rail company warned over poor performance as it cancels hundreds of services
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A train company which has been forced to cancel hundreds of services due to a shortage of crew could face action from the Department for Transport (DfT), MPs were told.
The disruption on London Midland services, which has angered passengers on routes linking Birmingham and the capital, has not yet resulted in a breach of the operator's obligations.
But Commons Leader Andrew Lansley warned the firm to improve "in short order" or face the threat of DfT sanctions.
Tory MP Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) said questions had already been asked in the Commons about London Midland's "very, very poor" service.
He added: "Despite this, their performance continues to be absolutely atrocious."
Mr Garnier called for Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to make a Commons statement explaining how the "pitiful situation" could be resolved.
Mr Lansley said: "London Midland have been experiencing a high level of cancellations for about two months now.
"London Midland are not yet technically in breach of their obligations. But if improvement is not seen in very short order the Department for Transport will need to consider taking action against the train operator."
Yesterday in the Lords it emerged the shortage of drivers was partly due to staff taking leave they were unable to take during the Olympics.
Government spokesman Earl Attlee said: "The problem is that the chickens are coming home to roost.
"During the Olympics period, leave was restricted but now the drivers want to have their leave.
"In addition we are experiencing problems with half-term when drivers naturally want to be at home with their families."
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments