Earlier this week, commuters in Whitton, Strawberry Hill and St Margarets were shocked to discover that South Western Railway (SWR) had cancelled all trains from these stations until 8 January.
The lack of services on non-strike days, which affected more than 40 stations across the SWR network, left commuters stranded. You can read Munira’s initial reaction in the Evening Standard here.
Following the surprise news, Munira and Sarah Olney, MP for Richmond Park, convened an urgent meeting with SWR officials on 19 December to raise their concerns on behalf of constituents, and ask what steps could be taken.
The next day (20 December), SWR announced that it would reinstate some off-peak services to Whitton station, although it said services at Strawberry Hill and St Margarets stations would not be reinstated.
In Parliament on the same day, Munira raised the lack of SWR services on non-strike days with the Rail Minister.
“From commuters in Twickenham to school children in Surrey, passengers have been sorely let down,” says Munira. “While I’m glad to see progress for Whitton, I will keep pushing on St Margarets and Strawberry Hill.”
“Given this whole mess was caused by the Government’s economic mismanagement, I’ll continue to press the Government to end the travel chaos now,” Munira added.
Note on train services
- Following Munira’s intervention, SWR is reinstating some off-peak services to Whitton station. These will run between 10am-3pm, and from 7pm until end of service. Please check train timetables for timings.
- Please be aware that the suspension of services at some stations, along with strike action and planned engineering works, will mean constant disruption over the Christmas period. Make sure to check timetables before ANY travel. Plan your journey here.