Sussex Weald MP Nusrat Ghani has called for greater investment in the Uckfield Line after raising concerns directly with rail bosses at a meeting this week.
The line is the only rail service serving stations within the Sussex Weald constituency and has been operating an amended timetable in recent weeks.
Southern says a temporary timetable has been in place since 1 September because prolonged hot and dry weather affected ground conditions beneath parts of the route, resulting in speed restrictions and some services being replaced by buses between Crowborough and Uckfield. The operator currently says the temporary timetable is expected to remain in place until 2 November.
At the meeting this week, Ms Ghani questioned rail bosses about what she described as unreliable and outdated passenger information, as well as differences in fares for journeys of similar length.
She said the cost of travel between Uckfield and London compared with Berwick and London as one example.
Ms Ghani also raised concerns about replacement bus services and what she said was a lack of clarity over future investment in the line.
She said: “I share my constituents concerns and know first-hand how unreliable this route can be. The PR teams are quick to issue excuses for cancellations and amendments, but bosses seem unable to give a clear plan for investment and improvement in the service.
“We should also bear in mind that our area is going to be subjected to thousands more homes, yet rail operators are unaware of the future demand they are likely to have to deal with and have admitted to not speaking to the Government’s housing department about meeting that need.
“Whilst I welcome their assurances that they are doing what they can and that they will review their communications, I see very little in the way of concrete evidence in the government’s intentions for the future investment in the line. We are all fed up with being kick out at stations that have no taxis, buses, or mobile signal.
“I will continue to press for improvements on the line. If you continue to experience problems, please do contact me.”
Southern has previously apologised for the disruption and said the amended timetable was introduced to provide greater certainty for passengers while speed restrictions remain in place. The company says the restrictions followed record-breaking hot weather and sustained low rainfall, which affected track conditions on the route.
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