Response from Jason Stockwood, Labour:
Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message and for laying out these important points in such detail. I really appreciate the work groups like the Friends of the Barton Line do to keep these issues visible and on the agenda.
On your specific points: I completely understand the frustration with the reduction in commuter services, the undelivered franchise promises, and the disjointed connections between bus and rail.
While I do not want to make promises I cannot guarantee before taking office, I can absolutely commit that if elected, I will look into all of these issues in detail as part of developing a proper Lincolnshire Transport Strategy.
Public transport is vital for connecting people to work, education and opportunity. If we are serious about growing our economy and reducing rural isolation, we have to improve reliability, coordination and affordability and that includes lines like Barton where connectivity is so critical.
More broadly, I want to push for:
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Better coordination between bus and rail services
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Clearer accountability on franchise commitments
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Exploring integrated ticketing for easier multimodal travel
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Campaigning for rural transport investment to close the gaps between villages, towns and key services
Thank you again for writing and please keep in touch as whatever happens after 2 May, these issues need strong, consistent voices to champion them.