Plans to devolve rail services welcomed
Responding to the publication of the English Devolution White Paper today, Silviya Barrett from Campaign for Better Transport, said:
“We welcome the Government’s plans to devolve greater responsibility for rail services to Mayoral combined authorities as something we have long called for. This is a model that has worked well in London and Liverpool and enables local leaders to deliver the services that work for their communities. Merseyrail, TfL Rail and the London Overground are amongst the most popular, most punctual and most accessible services on the network – so today’s announcement will be welcomed by commuters and leisure passengers alike.
“We’re equally pleased that Great British Railways will facilitate the expansion of multi-modal, integrated ticketing across city regions. This needs to be a part of wider fares and ticketing reform to ensure passenger across the country benefit from simpler and better value fares.
“We are pleased to see the move to multi-year funding settlements and the re-introduction of Local Transport Plans, which will provide much-needed certainty. To be successful in delivering sustainable transport networks that work for local areas, transport funding should be linked to levels of improvements required to create the modal shift needed to meet national carbon reduction objectives.”
ENDS
For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
- Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and protects the environment. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
