THE ASSOCIATION OF TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES (ATOC) has called on politicians to safeguard investment in Britain's railways. With the three main political parties all acknowledging the need for public spending cuts, the rail group has made an early start to its pre-election campaign to protect future funding.
ATOC claims that nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of British companies use passenger rail services, with business travellers making some 250 million train trips every year. "If passenger rail is to maintain its significant and positive impact on Britain's economy, the government must continue to invest in it," said ATOC chief executive Michael Roberts. "Rail investment must remain a priority so that service levels can be maintained and improvements can continue to be made, all at an affordable cost to customers."
He went on: "Over the next 30 years, the demand for rail is likely to double. If we are to keep up with that demand and avoid a capacity crunch, we must continue to improve our existing network. There needs to be a long-term strategy so that the public and private sectors can invest in increased capacity and enhancements which encourage people to switch from cars and planes." He also called for "smarter and longer" franchise deals for train operating companies, to help improve services and win new customers. ATOC will have taken comfort from remarks made by transport secretary Lord Andrew Adonis, who last month welcomed survey results which showed increased passenger satisfaction with UK railways.
"It is clear that rail is becoming increasingly popular," said Adonis. "The government will continue to work with the rail industry to ensure that everyone's experience of the railways continues to improve."