Press Release

1 April 2004

TSSA supports transport committee's call for single railways agency

TSSA, Britain's second biggest rail union, shares many of the concerns of the Transport Committee over the state of Britain's railways published today in the report "Future of the Railway".

The union, which contributed to the consultation, believes that the report is the strongest indication since privatisation that the rail industry would be better off in the public sector.

TSSA believes that spiralling costs and poor performance are caused by the fragmented, short-term, self-interested approach adopted by many of the companies in the rail industry. The Government is struggling to get value for money despite the increasing levels of public subsidy, from the current structure of the rail industry.

The Government should demand greater control and accountability over the rail industry than it currently enjoys, given that it is reliant on public money and operates for the public good.

TSSA general secretary Gerry Doherty said: "We welcome the comments from committee chairman Gwyneth Dunwoody MP that a single public sector body - a Railway Agency - should control Britain's railways. This public body should be made directly accountable to the Department for Transport and if this means public ownership, then so be it.

"If the industry is to deliver greater value for money and quality of service, the Government needs to make it more accountable and reduce the number of private organisations involved. This should begin by integrating train operations and infrastructure in the interests of safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness for the taxpayer."

"Such a move would be welcomed by the travelling public and many rail industry professionals. It would also significantly improve morale in the industry and signal that the Government was determined to get to grips with the problem."

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For further information, please contact:

Hannah Leggett (020) 7529 8059 or 07769 682806 (mobile)


Notes to Editors

1. TSSA represents 33,000 members in administrative, clerical, managerial, professional and technical jobs in the railways, buses, the London Underground, the travel trade, canals, ports and ferries, and road haulage.