Words in [single square brackets] included hyperlinks in the original document
Words in [[double square brackets]] are editorial additions or corrections
Words in [[[triple square brackets]]] indicate embedded images or graphics in the original document. (These are not usually archived unless they contain significant additional information.)
Senior representatives from Britain's train companies today (Tuesday) outlined their thoughts on last week's 10 Year Transport Plan to MPs from across Britain.
High on the agenda was how to deliver better train services for Britain, why the new Rail Modernisation Fund. Enhanced railway safety and customer benefits such as improved personal security and information services are clear passenger requirements.
Speaking at the function, ATOC's Chairman, Giles Fearnley told MPs: "The 10 Year Transport Plan is a good package for rail. It is a plan which recognises that road can't cope with forecast growth in travel on its own and that rail must take much of the strain. The industry should now have the financial framework to deliver a big and better railway to carry 50 per cent more passengers more comfortably and reliably within the next ten years."
ATOC Director General, George Muir, added: "The 10 Year Plan outlines future funding. There is no 'fat' in the public expenditure available, and the Chancellor's reputation for financial rectitude remains intact. We will need to be tight on costs and innovative in delivery.
"There is great energy and momentum in the rail industry. Please don't kill this energy with financial penalties and fixed obligations that will place industry innovation in a strait jacket with no room to manoeuvre."
ENDS
For more information: ATOC press office 020 7904 3010
Railnews Archive ::: 2000-07-25 ATO-001
related documents
2000-06-01 Final results - year ended 31 March 2000, part 1 (Railtrack plc)
2000-06-01 Final results - year ended 31 March 2000, part 2 (Railtrack plc)
2000-06-01 Final results - year ended 31 March 2000, part 1 (Railtrack plc)