Public transport power-up

My fi rst week of representing the stunning Southend West was dogged by dodgy ticket machines and missing station staff on the C2C line. Two months later, First Essex Buses pulled major services on Easter weekend leaving dozens of elderly residents isolated.

Following these poor experiences which so many other customers have faced, my message in Westminster is clear - a powerhouse commuter city needs a public transport system that can match its resident’s needs. Subsequently, I have been lobbying C2C and the Department for Transport for a trainline that is fi t-for-purpose. Following conversations with local inclusion activist Jill Allen-King, I helped secure £350 million worth of funding to implement accessibility lifts at Chalkwell Station. Vital funding

This funding is vital to ensure our rail service does not discriminate against some of the most vulnerable in our community. However, I am calling for the project to be expedited as waiting until 2024 for its conclusion is simply not acceptable. I have also made it my mission to secure contactless for local stations so commuters can tap with ease and not have to bother with arduous travel cards off ered by C2C. Following my campaigning, I am delighted that the Department for Transport will be implementing these measures and hope to provide residents with a delivery date soon. We also need more services across the board. I have been calling for an expanded timetable across the rail and bus network so commuters can get to work, patients can get to hospital and shoppers can get to the highstreets. Thus, I was extremely pleased to help secure the recent news that C2C is introducing a new fast train from Southend to London during the morning rush hour.

by Anna Firth MP

Conservative MP for Southend West anna.fi rth.mp @parliament.uk See Anna Firth MP press release on the news page on Oracle's website

Unleash Southend's full potential

Following my meeting with the Commercial Director earlier this year, I am also delighted to inform travellers that First Essex Buses will be rerouting the Number 3 to serve areas previously left without a connection from January. As you can see, we are full steam ahead for a transport system that can match the needs of residents. I have relentlessly lobbied for these changes, but know the job isn’t done yet. By unclogging our transport arteries, we will unleash Southend’s full potential.