The Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) has called on the Government to back greater competition on the UK rail network through the expansion of Open Access operations.
Open Access rail operators are not subject to franchising, and instead purchase individual slots from a rail infrastructure company delivering the benefits of greater competition to users.
In a report published this week the GTMC urged all three main political parties to commit its support to Open Access operations. It also wants the Department for Transport (DFT) and Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) to drop their opposition to new long distance Open Access rail services.
However, when contacted by BBT, a spokesperson for the ORR said it wasn’t opposed to Open Access operations and cited a consultation process launched last June, which seeked views on possible changes in on-rail competition. The ORR said the existing process for Open Access operations to run passenger services could be improved to “create more opportunities”.
The ORR also stated it wanted to enhance on-rail competition so more passengers can enjoy the "benefits of competition without excessive cost to taxpayers". The DFT were unavailable for comment.
The report, Open Access – business traveller benefits from genuine UK rail competition, was presented to a roundtable parliamentary dinner at the House of Commons this week.
Positive contribution
GTMC chief executive Paul Wait said greater competition within the UK rail network will make a “positive contribution” to ticket prices, and give better connectivity to towns not currently served by mainline services.
“Increased competition will support business efficiency and productivity thereby directly supporting business and economic growth across the country, particularly in the regions,” said Wait.
“Our unique insight into the requirements of the business traveller – of which rail travel is an intrinsic part – means we are acutely aware of the need for the rail network to evolve and further satisfy the criteria of cost, convenience and productivity, all of which dictate the choice of the business traveller.”
“Historically there has been reluctance within government to support the development of Open Access to lines beyond the East Coast Main Line. We are calling for the Government to reconsider this position and implement a wider application of open access that will benefit not only the business traveller and as a consequence the UK economy.”
Research published last year by the GTMC showed 74% of business travellers expressed support for two rail companies competing on the same line. GTMC said it wants the Government to “recognise the significance” of this issue both to business travellers and the economy.