Rail reform - where are the actions to make improvements now?
Rail campaigners have given a cautious welcome to the recent George Bradshaw Address given by the Secretary of State for Transport.
“The headlines are good, but the devil is in the detail” said Railfuture Director Neil Middleton “We share the Government's vision, but exactly how will they deliver benefits for passengers or freight in the near future? It remains to be explained how leadership and accountabilities will be shared between GBR, Network Rail and Train operators in the medium and long term.
“Starting to clarify structure and organisation is to be welcomed, but the next level of detail – and action to improve rail’s appeal to passengers and freight users that starts delivering benefit immediately, are yet to be set out. This is disappointing – and will be costing us all as Taxpayers money that should come from more passengers and freight using the railway.
“There are a few specific – and welcome – promises on fares, including an extension in the experiment in single leg fare pricing and some more stations to get Pay as You Go. We’re unconvinced that surge pricing is really “new”, because we know Train Operators already react to cancellations ‘real time’ by altering Advance fare availability, and that’s surge pricing to us.”
Mr Middleton, who is leading on fares, added “The current fares system is confusing to passengers. Start simplifying it now – why do some off-peak tickets start at 08:30 and others at 08:45? – Merge similar restrictions and give the passenger the small incremental benefit”.
Chris Page, Chair of Railfuture commented “There was nothing promised to deal with current problems on the railway – too many cancelled services, late and short formed trains – the list goes on”. Stewart Palmer, a Railfuture Director and ex-MD of South West Trains commented “The data clearly shows the railway is technically more reliable (as it should be given what has been spent) but delays and cancellations have grown as real time command and control collapses when things go wrong. Disruption from a minor incident frequently lasts all day”.
Ian Brown, Policy Director at Railfuture commented “There are still some real dilemmas and unanswered questions on structure – how will ‘GBR [being] wholeheartedly customer-focussed, serving as the single point of accountability for the performance of the railway’ work with the commercial freedoms and risk taking promised to train operators in the real world rather than the theory of contractual terms in documents? – How will putting the customer first work with the commercial imperative to make enough profit.
“Railfuture is membership organisation. So, we will be taking feedback from our members – and the public on the stance we take, and actions we seek, to achieve a ‘bigger and better railway’.”
Notes to editors
Read Railfuture’s briefing to members on the George Bradshaw Speech. The speech itself is on gov.uk.
Railfuture is the UK's leading independent organisation campaigning for better rail services for both passengers and freight.
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For further in formation and comment please contact:
Neil Middleton, Railfuture director
Mobile: 07887 628367
neil.middleton@railfuture.org.uk
Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
Tel: 0117 927 2954 Mobile: 07759 557389
media@railfuture.org.uk