Waveney MP Peter Aldous today commented on the announcement by Transport Minister Theresa Villiers that rail franchises may be extended to give bidders an added incentive to invest in services.

Mr Aldous said:

“I am firmly in support of offering longer franchises to bidders if this will lead to further investment in the two lines serving the Waveney Constituency and the reinstatement of a direct service in from Lowestoft to London. But this must be balanced with the appropriate safeguards to ensure operators have a commitment to keep fares at a reasonable price and not simply pass all the costs of upgrading services to passengers. I will be writing to Ms Villiers this week to reiterate how important rail services are to bring people and business into our area as we return to growth and seek to expand the local economy.”