Milton Keynes MP seeks public's views on Intercity West Coast rail service

Iain Stewart has launched an online survey and is inviting views from everyone who would like to have their say.

He hit upon the idea as part of his consultation submission for the next InterCity West Coast (ICWC) franchise.

The franchise, which should go to tender later this year, will invite bids from operators hoping to run the next ICWC franchise.

The winning train operating company will be announced in November next year and the franchise to begin in April 2018. It will last until the start of HS2 services in the mid-2020s.

Mr Stewart who sits on the government’s Transport Committee said, “It is vitally important for passengers and businesses in Milton Keynes to make their views known.

“Until HS2 unlocks extra capacity on the line, there is going to be a tension between Inter-City users who want the fastest possible trains between London, the Midlands and the North which would not call at intermediate stations like MK, and those who want inter-city services to stop.”

He added, “I want to see Milton Keynes making the strongest possible representation in this consultation which will help shape the detail of the new franchise that Virgin and other contenders will bid for. It is also an opportunity to specify what on-board services, such as enhanced WiFi, that passengers want to see.”

The deadline for the survey is Friday July 22. To take part visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/28388MM, or complete the consultation at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/intercity-west-coast-franchise