A BELEAGUERED rail company has promised to “get it right” and provide proper transport for one of the most important events of the year.

Pride was marred in 2016 by Southern telling its customers not to get the train to Brighton.

This year, community leaders have asked for a promise things will run smoothly.

Last week Hove MP Peter Kyle wrote to the boss of Govia Thameslink, calling on him to make sure the rail company gets travel arrangements right for this year’s Brighton and Hove Pride.

He said: “Efficient, reliable and comfortable travel will be key to ensuring an enjoyable weekend. I have no doubt that you and your team fully understand this and are committed to getting the transport arrangements right over the Pride weekend, but I wanted to emphasise how important this is for the organisers, for our city and for the thousands of people taking part in Pride.”

Yesterday Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas and council leader Daniel Yates added their voices.

Cllr Yates said: “We need reliable services for those who work or study in the city, for those who work outside the city and for those who visit the city. We cannot as a city cope any longer with a second class service weekdays and a third class service at weekends.”

Ms Lucas said: “Brighton Pride is a national event that draws thousands into our city. It’s vital public transport woes don’t blight it. I’d urge the train company to put in place a plan to make travel for Pride as easy as possible and do their best to avoid further damaging our local economy.”

Chris Jepson of Brighton Pride said organisers were working closely with transport providers to try to avoid disruption and had had several positive meetings with Govia.

A Govia spokesman said it had robust plans in place and was looking forward to a fantastic weekend.

Peter Kyle said: “We’ll be holding them to this, because this is too important – for our city and the thousands of people who want to celebrate Pride – for any mistakes.”