by political editor Paul Francis

A senior Kent MP has criticised the government for failing to say how
much rail fares might be when a new franchise is awarded.

Sir John Stanley, the veteran Tonbridge and Malling MP, made a stinging
attack on ministers for failing to be transparent over what rail users
could expect when a new operator takes on the job of running Kent's rail
network.

He said he would be tabling a series of Parliamentary questions to the
transport minister about his concerns and in an effort to get more
information.

He was particularly concerned the consultation document made no
reference to the possible subsidies the operator could receive.

"The document is completely silent on what I believe to be one of the
most important ways of measuring the customer experience and
satisfaction - the question of the level of fares they will pay."

The Department of Transport report outlining what would be expected of a
new operator showed that Southeastern passenger numbers had broadly
stayed the same over three years but its revenue had shot up, he added.

"How have they done that? By taking more and more revenue from
hard-pressed customers. The fare increases are frankly unacceptable."

He was also concerned the government had failed to indicate the levels
of subsidy that could be on offer.

"Is the government going to keep the franchise agreement at the same level? What are the arrangements going to be?"

His rebuke follows the launch of the government's consultation on the
new franchise which will start in 2014 and last six and a half years.

The MP also said he would continue to push for the restoration of peak
time services from Maidstone to the City.

Southeastern has alaready indicated that it intends to compete for the
contract but may face competition from other operators.

The DfT says it wants a new operator to "ensure the overall passenger
experience improves throughout the life of the franchise, subject to
value for money and affordability" but says nothing on fares.

Consultation runs until September, with the official franchise
competition underway in December.