REDUCTION OF RAIL SERVICES STOPPING AT SEVERN TUNNEL JUNCTION

That this House expresses regret that First Great Western has reduced the number of services stopping at Severn Tunnel Junction during peak times; notes that these services are a vital link for hundreds of commuters travelling to Cardiff and Bristol for work; further notes with concern that the average person travelling by rail generates around half the carbon dioxide emissions of the average person travelling by car and that this reduction in service will force people into their cars for these journeys and undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions; further notes that First Great Western has pledged to reintroduce the services from May onwards but that this will severely disrupt the lives and working patterns of many people; believes that the flaws and inaccuracy in the consultation process prevented this matter being rectified sooner; and calls on the Government to urge First Great Western and Network Rail to provide a timetable that includes these vital services for commuters by reintroducing the peak time stops at Severn Tunnel Junction from 11th December.