Railways in the North of England serve a variety of needs.
Our study has demonstrated a number of shortcomings, which
we do not believe are unique to the North. The most significant
are:
- Confusion and inconsistency about the funding
of transport links needed to assist economic regeneration;
- Poor consultation between the Strategic
Rail Authority (SRA), and local authorities, Passenger
Transport Executives, regional authorities and passenger
bodies, leading to a perception the SRA does not understand
and respond to local needs;
- Appalling service to rail users.
There are some signs that improvement may be about to
begin, although there is a long way to go:
- The SRA has clearly stated the basis on
which it will support rail projects;
- The SRA has committed itself to better
local consultation;
- Steps have been taken to remedy the serious
driver shortages which led to widespread disruption to
services in the North.
However, we still cannot say with confidence that these
failures are things of the past.
It seems clear that road and rail projects are funded
on different grounds and there is no level playing field
between them. This inquiry reinforces the view we gained
in the inquiry into multi-modal studies: that the SRA focussed
too much on the existing network and took little account
of suggestions for improvements.
We shall continue to monitor the work of the SRA, the
Office of the Rail Regulator and Network Rail extremely
closely. The rail industry has a responsibility to ensure
a safe, efficient and good value rail network; it must never
forget that the purpose of the network is to serve its customers,
and benefit the country as a whole. |
