Local Lib Dem Prospective GLA candidate raises season ticket frustration

12.00.00am GMT Wed 8th Jan 2003

Connex still using pen & paper technology for their customer database

Duncan Borrowman, the Liberal Democrats Prospective Greater London Assembly candidate for Bexley and Bromley, has raised the frustration of many commuters who buy season tickets from Connex with Lynne Featherstone, the Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson on the London Assembly.

Mr Borrowman uses a monthly travel card, which he buys from various stations - including Bexley, Welling and Orpington. Every time he, like many other commuters, buys a new ticket he has to complete a hand written form at the ticket office.

Duncan Borrowman says; "In this day and age, and with the large amount of communication networks along railway lines, it is time Connex maintained computer records of season ticket holders - and networked the information between their stations."

Lynne Featherstone said; "Connex are aware of the problem and aware of the frustration for passengers. They state that 'believe it or not, we do not currently have the technology to computerise the system, although we do want to log all our passengers' details should we need to contact them directly'"

There does appear to be some hope of improvement in the future though, as Connex state, 'However, we have a new Marketing Director who is undertaking the administration of the database. We cannot promise a quick fix to the problem but know that she is looking at developing a database that can, in

the longer term, move to a computerised system as soon as we have funds available.'

Duncan Borrowman added; "The head of Connex recently accepted a massive pay rise, so I do hope they find the money soon. The Liberal Democrats will write again to Connex to ask them for a timescale for this improvement, but in the meantime if commuters notice anything changing for the better (or even for the worse) please let me know and I'll endeavour to investigate. I can be emailed at d.borrowman@libdems.org.uk"