What do you do?
I run my own business based in Bramley, Hampshire.
How do you use South West Trains?
I use South West Trains for both ad hoc business and leisure travel, so bring a different perspective to the table, compared with commuters or solely leisure users.
Why did you want to join the Panel?
I joined in June 2006, so that I could represent a younger passenger's view of the railway to South West Trains. It is younger people that have many years of train use ahead of them, but many feel that the service isn't what they need or expect. I aim to counter those opinions when they are ill-informed, but support those beliefs on the panel when South West Trains needs to listen to young people.
Are you pleased with the work of the Panel? What do you think are the Panel's biggest achievements?
I continue to believe that having a body which provides a passenger's view of the railway to South West Trains is important. Quite simply, the Panel's biggest achievement is that it really is listened to at the highest level.
Do you hold any other voluntary posts?
I am an active local campaigner on issues that matter to the residents of Bramley and Sherfield.
What do you like least about South West Trains?
Some stations remain unstaffed for large parts of the day and have not been renovated to the standard that passengers rightly expect. Unstaffed stations lead to anti-social behaviour, lack of personal security, fare evasion and a bad image for the entire National Rail network. In addition, I am not a fan of the new 450 (blue) trains – it can get a little cramped at times!
What do you like best?
The investment in new trains has, on balance, improved the service. But, it is the staff (where present!) who really make the difference. TravelSafe officers are having a real impact in making passengers, especially ladies, feel safer both on trains and at unmanned stations. A Guard on every train is also very important to passengers and I am glad that this was included in the current franchise agreement.