by political editor Paul Francis

Transport minister Philip Hammond has warned rail operator Southeastern he is prepared to take action over what he described as an "inexcusable" lack of information about delays and cancelled services during the big freeze.

The company is facing a mounting backlash over its failure to let passengers have up-to-date information during the on-going big freeze, which has seen some stranded for hours as thousands of services were cancelled.

Some have been forced to remain on trains overnight because of the weather.

Kent MPs have said they intend to summon the operator’s managing director Charles Horton to Westminster to explain what has gone wrong and why passengers have failed to get information about services.

Meanwhile, Mr Hammond was responding to complaints by MPs during a debate in parliament yesterday.

He said "the lack of information is inexcusable" adding that rail regulators would be sent to both Southeastern and Southern to ensure they were meeting their franchise obligations.

"If they’re not, they’ll be dealt with according to the provisions within those franchise contracts."

The Office of Rail Regulation said this week that operators should have no excuse for providing information to customers.

ORR chief executive Bill Emery said companies who let down rail passengers would be named and shamed.

He said: "It is absolutely right that, with the great strides that have been made in communication technology in the 21st Century, rail passengers should expect to receive useful and timely information during disruption."

"With new systems, technology, processes and training to support improvements, now is the time for the rail industry to deliver. There are no excuses."

"Should we continue to fail to see improvement, we will work closely with the Department for Transport to explore options for taking action against poor performers.

A clause in Southeastern’s franchise specification means it could be stripped of its franchise in 2012 if it fails during a year-long review period. That began in December 2009.

According to a presentation by Mr Horton to a rail summit organised by Kent County Council, the company’s eligibility for a two year renewal of the franchise after 2012 is dependent on train capacity, cancellations and the number of delays caused by its own problems.

Under the terms of its franchise, the government expects Southeastern to offer "timely, accurate and comprehensible provision of information throughout the franchise area on stations and trains". The franchise agreement also states:

"This should cover both planned timetables and any disruption to services."

Do you agree that action needs to be taken against Southeastern? What questions would you like to put the the MD?