Rail users in East Anglia are challenging election candidates of all parties to have a proper debate on transport isues in the run-up to the election.

Railfuture is concerned that the lack of accountability of politicians is one of the reasons why transport remains a problem in this country.
 
Some of the key issues concerning rail users are:
 
Accountability - The Railways Bill going through Parliament will scrap the Strategic Rail Authority and the regional Rail Passengers Councils giving more power to the Department for Transport.

Railfuture is concerned that with decision-making so remote, officials will not understand the needs of the railways in the region.
 
Planning for Growth
Many thousands of new houses are planned in the region plus growth at ports and airports. Unless additional rail capacity is provided, the region will become more dependent on cars counter to the objectives of East of England Plan and the Government's own stated objectives. The lack of progress on the East-West Rail Link between Oxford and Cambridge is deeply disappointing. Rail users are already contributing more than their fair share to the Government's transport revenues. More Government money should be allocated to expanding the rail network.
 
Developing rural routes
Rural lines in the region have seen significant growth in recent years with passengers numbers increasing by 75% between 1997 and 2004. Railfuture wants to see future government supporting the development of the community rail concept with more local control and and simpler technical standards to keep costs under control. Replacement by buses must not be an option!
 
Railfuture president Peter Lawrence said: "In past elections there has been no serious debate on transport issues yet over 3 million people use the railways each day and we all depend on rail for delivering essential goods such as coal to power stations. 

"The political parties need to clearly explain their plans for the railways, over the past 30 years we have had so many changes in policy it's been difficult to keep track on what is going on. 

"The East-West Rail Link is a classic example. One minute the scheme is due to be announced, the next it is on hold and yet more studies are needed."
 
Contacting Railfuture East Anglia: Nick Dibben. Day: 0207 755 4213. Evening: 01480 495101

Peter Lawrence President: Tel: 01603 627217. Mobile: 0788 4194510