Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference today called for the Government to scrap its failing rail franchise system and replace it with one that puts passengers first.
Conference today passed a motion calling for:
- The present franchise system to be replaced with one that will prioritise quality of service, passenger experience and, where possible, fare reductions
- Annual rail fare rises to be no more than inflation
- The Government to retain the East Coast franchise until the end of its term
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said:
“Rail passengers in Britain already put up with the most expensive fares in Europe and the Government plans to continue with inflation busting price rises by pushing more of the costs of rail travel on to the passenger.
“The Government’s failing franchise system demands high profits not passenger satisfaction and has already led to two train companies struggling to afford the East Coast franchise.
“The Government needs to learn that short franchises going to the highest bidder will not provide the best service for passengers.
“We need a new franchise system, offering longer, rolling franchises for firms that meet tough passenger satisfaction requirements and invest in improving the network.”
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