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A #1 million programme of improvements to Oxford railway station was today welcomed as the shape of things to come by John Watts, Minister for Railways, Roads and Local Transport.
Attending a ceremony to mark the start of work, Mr Watts said:
"The last 12 months have seen a revolution in Britain's railways as new private sector operators sweep away the cobwebs of the past. The new railways are fighting back against 50 years of decline. And they're winning. The #1 million worth of improvements to Oxford Station is just one of many projects pushing the rail network into the 21st century.
"But it's not just passengers who are benefiting from privatisation. If you're a taxpayer, you're a winner too. The improvements to Oxford Station are not costing the public purse a penny. It's all private money.
"Private railways are providing new trains. Private railways are putting on extra services. Private railways are promising services will be more punctual, more reliable, and more frequent. The future of Britain's railways belongs to the private sector. It's a future which looks secure."
