Commenting on today’s report by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) on franchise reform, Norman Baker said:
“Train passengers have been getting a raw deal from the way franchises are set up. We need a system that puts the passenger first.
“We need to grow the railways. Longer franchises will get money into the industry by giving companies an incentive to invest in real, long-term improvements.
“The East Coast Main Line should remain in public ownership for a longer period to demonstrate how a franchise should be run with passenger-focused targets to drive up standards.
“We should also look at tying franchise deals to GDP, which would stop companies collapsing in recessions and mean that the Treasury gets more in the good times.”
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