Government Pledge on New Trains

2.11.10pm GMT Mon 19th Mar 2007

In a debate (introduced by Susan Kramer) in parliament, the transport minister (Tom Harris) has given an assurance that new services will run on the Windsor line from December 2008 (next year) from the Waterloo International terminal. Vincent Cable said that he was "relieved that we now have the prospect of more trains and some relief of overcrowding at the end of next year. The Secretary of State assured me two years ago that Waterloo International would be converted to mainline use but there has been uncertainty ever since over when and how the conversion would happen".

The three SW London MPs, Vincent Cable, Susan Kramer and Edward Davey, have worked as a team to press the government and SW Trains on the use of Waterloo International and all were present at last week's debate.

Vincent Cable said: "although this announcement is encouraging there is a lot more to do to ensure that chronic overcrowding on peak hour services is reduced and the frequency and time improved of services on the Hampton branch line and the loop line to Kingston".

"I want to pursue the suggestion of a government minister, Lord Bassam, that, if passengers are standing, there should be automatic use of empty seats in first class."