Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farronwill today [10/10/2018] present a
Bill to the House of Commons which would make it significantly
easier for the Government to strip failing rail companies of their
franchises.
Mr Farron has repeatedly made the case for failing rail operators
to be stripped of their franchise after a summer of chaos on the
railways. In Mr Farron’s own constituency, every single train on
the Lakes Line was cancelled during the month of June.
The Bill comes less than a month after the Office of Rail and
Road (ORR) warned "no-one took charge" during the timetable chaos
and blamed a lack of "responsibility and accountability".
Liberal Democrat MP said:
“The Office of Rail and Road’s recent report found the main
reason behind the summer of chaos on our railways was a lack of
accountability. Liberal Democrats demand better.
“This Bill would mean that the Transport Secretary would no
longer be able to shy away from being ultimately responsible for
making sure people have a decent train service.
“It would also mean that there will actually be consequences for
those companies like Northern and Thameslink who continue to
provide diabolical services and treat their customers as nothing
more than cattle.”
ENDS.
Notes to Editors:
The Bill’s long and short title can be found below.
Railways (Franchises) Bill
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to terminate a rail
passenger services franchise agreement in certain circumstances;
to repeal section 25 of the Railways Act 1993; to make provision
for local franchising authorities in England; and for connected
purposes.
