|
Issue of the day: The railways
Party spokesmen debate the best policies for Britain's railways.
Labour Transport secretary Alistair Darling
There is every reason to be confident about the future of Britain's railways. Last year the country's trains carried more than 1 billion passengers. More than at any time since 1961 – a time when the rail network was considerably larger than it is today. The problems caused by years of underinvestment and a botched privatisation are being put behind us.
The government is investing record amounts to fund this regeneration. The Comprehensive Spending Review settlement provided almost £15 billion for the railways over its three year period. It means that every week at least £70 million is spent to help rebuild the network. This is an essential, long term funding commitment. It gives the rail industry the best chance in a generation to plan ahead with greater confidence.
But this investment has to be coupled with improved management. That is why last Summer I announced a far reaching industry reorganisation. With the right structure and the right investment our railway will now have a strong foundation from which it can continue to grow.
No one denies that there are big challenges ahead and that the service passengers get today could improve. But I am optimistic about the future for rail. We have put in place the investment and structure necessary to get improvements; we are planning ahead as well. I am confident that day by day, month by month, passengers will begin to see the improvements they quite rightly expect.
Conservatives: Shadow transport secretary Tim Yeo
Since the break-up of the British Rail state monopoly and the launch of the new Train Operating Companies, more people are travelling by train than for almost half a century.
The combination of an independent rail regulator with independent companies is leading to a more responsive and more flexible service. Privatisation has been a success, and it is encouraging that all political parties recognise that fact. The clock will not be turned back.
The quality of a rail journey does not just depend on the on-board experience. Travel to and from home, the availability of car parking, the station ambiance, are all part of the rail travel experience. Compare the average railway station with a modern airport. Airports are well lit, with covered car parking, good shops, and waiting rooms with internet links and other business facilities.
Few stations have any of these amenities. They are unwelcoming and sometimes dangerous places. They are in urgent need of transformation and, given the intrinsic value of their real estate, this can be achieved without cost to the taxpayer or traveller.
Liberal Democrats: John Thurso
The development of a safe, reliable, and affordable rail network in Britain is central to the development of a sustainable transport policy. At present our railways do not provide a credible alternative to travel by car; they are beset with delays and are by far the most expensive in Europe.
The future of railways goes hand in hand with developing a transport policy that will allow us to live within our environmental means, particularly as transport is one of the single biggest producers of greenhouse emissions.
A High Speed Rail network in the UK would improve journey times, free up precious landing slots for international flights, reduce emissions, reduce road and rail congestion around airports and provide a modern, quick, and reliable method of travel. There are many issues to resolve, not least route and funding, but the government should commit to a feasibility project now with a view to implementation within a decade.
An ambitious plan for rail must be placed in the context of a long-term vision for transport based on the need to deal with climate change and reduce congestion. A modern rail network with increased capacity is part of this but must be combined with other schemes such as road user charging. This would provide the public with the incentive to move out of their cars and on to the railways where appropriate.
The above texts are edited versions of articles which first appeared in the Parliamentary Monitor magazine.
|
