Government pledge on new trains

12.00.00am GMT Mon 19th Mar 2007

Lib Dem MPs have finally received an assurance that new services will run on the Windsor line from December 2008 from the Waterloo International terminal

In a debate (introduced by Susan Kramer, Lib Dem MP for Richmond) in parliament, the transport minister (Tom Harris) has given an assurance that new services will run on the Windsor line from December 2008 from the Waterloo International terminal. The three Lib Dem 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:

"[I am] 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.

"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... 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."