Brighton MP meets train boss to push for better services

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby pressed for more reliable services in a meeting with Chris Burchell, the managing director of train operator Southern.

The Conservative MP said that he raised a number of other issues on behalf of constituents, many of them suggested on social media.

One of the key concerns was the price of tickets, including season tickets. An annual season ticket to London, including the underground, costs more than £5,000 from Brighton.

Mr Kirby also discussed the frequent disruption to services, especially during the winter, and the lack of wi-fi and toilets on trains with Mr Burchell at their meeting on Monday (12 May).

Other issues raised by constituents covered the possibility of a non-stop service direct from Brighton to London, the introduction of BML2 (Brighton Main Line 2), and the potential for part-time season tickets.

After the meeting Mr Kirby said: “Many constituents here in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven are commuters, or regular train users, and it is important that Southern Rail are informed of how their users feel.

“I was pleased to have had such a strong response to my social media inquiries and I was happy to raise these suggestions and comments with the managing director.

“I hope the rail company will take on board the comments from residents here in Brighton and Peacehaven and that we will see positive action taken in response to this meeting to improve the rail experience for my constituents.”