The ORR has highlighted greater transparency of costs in the railway industry as an issue that needs improvement. With fare increases across the country, passengers will be more concerned than ever on how this extra money is being spent.
Only then can they decide whether they approve of this distribution of funding and whether rail is a form of transport they either can or want to continue using.
Evidence has already demonstrated that passengers receive information from train operators with a level of distrust, and greater transparency could help to repair this relationship.
The public should be clearly and honestly informed of the reasons for price increases, and why funding is necessary for certain projects. Hopefully the ORR will take these challenges seriously and work towards achieving this goal.
