Sir, The Conservative plan for the railways has pleased the train companies, but what about passengers (“Conservatives set railway battle lines”, Business, Jan 13)? The Government’s role should be to protect passengers and guarantee that they get the train services they need, at a price they can afford. Giving train companies more freedom over timetables could mean service cuts, with local or off-peak trains losing out as companies focus on the more profitable routes.
Letting train companies order carriages is probably a good idea but could be less cost effective than a bulk order. In any case the Conservatives should commit to delivering the 1,300 carriages already promised by the Government.
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High fares are the top concern for passengers but beefing up the Office of Rail Regulation would do little to tackle this problem. What is needed is a review of the way that fares are regulated, to stop them rising above inflation every year. Political parties need to offer more if they are to meet the needs of passengers, who are key voters in marginal constituencies.
Cat Hobbs
Campaign for Better Transport