Menu
19/05/2011
Rail Fare Report Welcomed By Hammond
Inflation busting rises in rail fares could become a thing of the past if the £1bn annual cost savings in the railways envisaged in a report published today are achieved, the Government has said.
Responding to Sir Roy McNulty’s independent Rail Value for Money study, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond welcomed the report and emphasised the need to reduce the cost of our railways.
The recommendations of Sir Roy’s highly detailed report entitled “Realising the Potential of GB Rail” will now be considered and will feed into Government proposals to reform the rail industry to be published later in the year.
Philip Hammond said: “Unless we get a grip and cut the costs of our railways, passengers could see services cut and fares rise. But, if we seize this opportunity, work together, and push through real reform in our railways we will be able to make savings for both taxpayers and fare payers.
“If Sir Roy's target of £1bn per year of savings is achieved, over the next few years, our aspiration should be to put the era of the above-inflation average rises in regulated fares behind us, as well as reducing levels of taxpayer subsidy. If we are going to achieve this goal we will need everyone involved in the industry, Network Rail, train companies, Unions and Government, to work together and I look forward to beginning that process.”
Last year Sir Roy McNulty was commissioned to conduct an independent study into rail value for money. His December 2010 interim report set out a preliminary assessment of the costs of rail in Great Britain and an estimate of savings of up to £1bn that could be achieved without the need of cutting services.
Today’s final report sets out his recommendations for improved efficiency and value for money in the rail industry. The Government will now consider which of Sir Roy's recommendations to take forward and on what timescales, and is developing a wider package of rail reform to secure a sustainable railway at lower cost that delivers a better deal both to the taxpayer and to the fare payer.
(BMcN/GK)
Responding to Sir Roy McNulty’s independent Rail Value for Money study, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond welcomed the report and emphasised the need to reduce the cost of our railways.
The recommendations of Sir Roy’s highly detailed report entitled “Realising the Potential of GB Rail” will now be considered and will feed into Government proposals to reform the rail industry to be published later in the year.
Philip Hammond said: “Unless we get a grip and cut the costs of our railways, passengers could see services cut and fares rise. But, if we seize this opportunity, work together, and push through real reform in our railways we will be able to make savings for both taxpayers and fare payers.
“If Sir Roy's target of £1bn per year of savings is achieved, over the next few years, our aspiration should be to put the era of the above-inflation average rises in regulated fares behind us, as well as reducing levels of taxpayer subsidy. If we are going to achieve this goal we will need everyone involved in the industry, Network Rail, train companies, Unions and Government, to work together and I look forward to beginning that process.”
Last year Sir Roy McNulty was commissioned to conduct an independent study into rail value for money. His December 2010 interim report set out a preliminary assessment of the costs of rail in Great Britain and an estimate of savings of up to £1bn that could be achieved without the need of cutting services.
Today’s final report sets out his recommendations for improved efficiency and value for money in the rail industry. The Government will now consider which of Sir Roy's recommendations to take forward and on what timescales, and is developing a wider package of rail reform to secure a sustainable railway at lower cost that delivers a better deal both to the taxpayer and to the fare payer.
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2012
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
08 November 2011
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
09 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
27 April 2004
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
09 October 2013
Increase In Rail Fare Ticket Prices Limited
The rail industry's powers to increase fares are being curbed as part of the government's drive to cut the cost of living and overhaul the existing rail fare system.
Increase In Rail Fare Ticket Prices Limited
The rail industry's powers to increase fares are being curbed as part of the government's drive to cut the cost of living and overhaul the existing rail fare system.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
