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Train operators today backed Transport Secretary Stephen Byers in his call for the industry to get back to the business of delivering on the 10-year Transport Plan.
Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) Director General, George Muir, said operators shared Mr Byers' wish to see punctuality and reliability improving.
"The 10-year Transport Plan is the blueprint with which we must all work," he said. "It sets out a challenging agenda for the future and we are redoubling our efforts to deliver.
"I know that Railtrack and its contractors are totally focused on getting the network operating at the standard our passengers want to see. So are we.
"That means concentrating on delivery. Everyone involved in the railway - operators, Railtrack and contractors and Government - must keep that as their over-arching aim.
"But, as Stephen Byers has acknowledged today, Government also has a role to play.
"We want to see the re-franchising process properly under way and accelerating. That is the mechanism by which train companies can lever in the investment and improvements they want to make.
"We would also like to see more use made of franchise extensions. These have already been put in place in some cases and have brought early passenger benefits. They are a good half-way house while the re-franchising process gets up to speed.
"And we want to see a period of stability to allow us to get on with the business of making the current system work. We look to Government to create the right conditions for us to achieve this."
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For more information: ATOC press office 020 7904 3010
