Rail network needs long-term franchises, says BVWM
Longer franchise deals are one of the ”key changes” needed if the West Midlands rail network is to be brought up to scratch, Business Voice WM (BVWM) has said.
But the lobby group’s rail spokesman Martin Chambers, of the Chartered Institute of Building, urged the government to retain a major role for Network Rail.
The BVWM submission, in response to a nationwide consultation, insisted that franchise changes “should not be at the expense of excessive cuts to National Rail’s budget”.
Chambers said: “While the West Midlands business community was once very critical of the performance of Network Rail, it has substantially improved. Delays caused by signal failures, for instance, have declined significantly.
“We positively support the government’s proposal for longer duration rail franchises. However, there are major infrastructure arrangements that would remain uncompetitive for a rail operating company to undertake and where the use of public funds is inevitable alongside longer franchise arrangements to ensure the UK finally has a world class rail network suitable to meet the needs of a world class economy.
“Equally, Network Rail plays a pivotal role in the establishment of the timetables for the entire UK rail network. The importance of this role should not be underestimated and therefore should be protected."
In its submission, BVWM also stressed the need for each new franchise to be “contractually bound” to deliver any improvements that were promised during the bidding process.
