FEDERATION OF NORTH ESSEX RAIL USERS AND NATIONAL EXPRESS

Early day motion 342, tabled 5 January 2004 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 5 members.

That this House shares the fears of the Federation of North Essex Rail Users, representing rail user groups from Colchester, Manningtree, Harwich, Walton and Clacton, that the award by the Strategic Rail Authority of the new Greater Anglia Franchise to National Express will result in a worse service for passengers; endorses the Federation's statement that the existing franchise operators, First Great Eastern and Anglia Railways, have won several awards for excellence in their operations whereas National Express 'runs franchises that are not generally in the top league for punctuality, cleanliness or performance'; and requests the Secretary of State for Transport to demand an explanation from the Strategic Rail Authority for its decision.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 4, Labour 1.