Midlands Connect calls for role in Government rail review

Midlands Connect has called for an “active role” in the Government’s rail review launched by Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, who promised to leave “no stone unturned” in its analysis and recommendations.

The review, led by former British Airways boss Keith Williams and what the government pledged will be the “most significant review of rail since privatisation”, is due to report next year.

It will look at the structure of the whole rail industry, including increasing integration between track and train, regional partnerships and improving value for money for passengers and taxpayers, with plans for reform to be implemented from 2020.

It follows an inquiry by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulator into the May 20 timetable change that sparked weeks of disruption for passengers.

Services in the north and south-east of England were hit by the botched initiative.

Sir John Peace, chair of Midlands Connect, said: “This review is a major undertaking of crucial importance to the Midlands. Midlands Connect is seeking assurances that the partnership has an active role throughout the process. We continue to work alongside our partners and neighbouring bodies, including both West Midlands Rail Executive and Transport for the East Midlands, to ensure that local expertise can drive continued improvement of the rail network and services across the Midlands.

“Demand for rail travel is now growing faster in the Midlands than London and the South East. To service this added demand, Midlands Connect is developing cost-effective plans to introduce 24 additional passenger trains every hour through our Midlands Rail Hub proposals. Our ambitious plans will increase capacity and reliability, cut journey times and help grow the economy by £649 million every year. We must get on with improving our rail network for both passengers and freight. We will contribute to this review to ensure no stone is left unturned in making these vital upgrades happen as soon as possible.

“We are pleased the review will examine the role of regional partnerships and that the Secretary of State for Transport acknowledges rail network investment has not kept pace with the rapid rise in demand since privatisation. With the first of the Rail Review’s reforms due by 2020, the roles and responsibilities of Sub-national Transport Bodies, like Midlands Connect, must be considered in parallel, as we work towards gaining statutory status alongside Transport for the North.”

Launching the review, Grayling said: “Privatisation has delivered huge benefits to passengers on Britain’s railways — doubling passenger journeys and bringing in billions of private investment.

“But it is clear that the structure we inherited is no longer fit to meet today’s challenges and cope with increasing customer demand. Following the disruption this summer we took immediate action to improve services and ensure the industry compensated passengers.”

Grayling said is “vital” that the review leaves “no stone unturned and makes bold recommendations for the future”.

 

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