I am sorry… but the idea of giving train operators longer franchises - and therefore enabling them to make longer
term investment in Britain’s rail infrastructure - has been around for a long time.
Reading the reaction to these proposals in today’s press,
you would have thought that this idea had simply dropped from the sky in an ATOC stamped envelope. Essentially, I support the idea, because it will mean more money to create more and more jobs in rail.
Of course, we need to ensure that those train operators use this new power and responsibly to improve services and do not use it just cut unprofitable, yet essential, services.
If implemented properly this could mean far more engineering work taking place and that means more rail jobs.
Additionally I hope that Bob Crow’s over ‘gold-plated franchises’ and ‘ring fenced profits’ are meant to be ironic.
Given that every year he earns between four to five times the national average annual wage - plus expenses - I believe that it is he who has a ‘one-way ticket to the bank’.
