Train firm in bid to bill MP for off-the-rails flyer

4:14pm Friday 14th November 2008

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THE RAIL firm in charge of Enfield trains ‘amazed’ a campaigning MP by threatening to bill her for the post it receives from angry commuters.

Joan Ryan, who represents Enfield North in parliament, drew the ire of First Capital Connect (FFC) when she published the free post address of its complaints department in leaflets she handed out at Enfield Chase station, in Windmill Hill.

As a result, FCC faced a sizeable bill because it pays for every letter handled by the firm in charge of its outsourced customers relations department.

In a letter to Ms Ryan it said: “We may consider invoicing for any costs incurred any leaflets. This is not to say we are not happy to receive feedback from customers, simply that we do not think your leaflet was necessary.”

The rail operator also took issue with her criticisms of its ticket machines.

Responding this week, Ms Ryan said her flyer did FFC a favour.

Ms Ryan said: “I was seeking the views of the travelling public, and making First Capital Connect aware of them.

“They say they’re ‘passionate about delivering good customer service for everyone’ but if this is really the case, then Ms Boswell should welcome the opportunity to engage with commuters in Enfield and work with me.

“We don’t have a tube line in Enfield, which means that many of us rely on the train service. So it’s essential that this service delivers for local residents. But commuters can rest assured that I will keep up the fight for improvements to our train services.”

FFC has since withdrawn its threat. The firm was not available for comment at time of going to press.