Fine Weather

May 28th 2008

Fine Weather

Rail chiefs have reacted with annoyance to the news that ORR’s £14m, imposed on Network Rail for the New Year’s over runs, will not be ploughed back into the railway industry. Instead the money will be remitted to the Treasury. Says Iain Coucher, ‘We had suggested that this sum be invested into the rail network to fund improvements which would benefit passengers, a suggestion supported by many in the industry. We are disappointed that this won’t happen.’ Michael Roberts, ATOC’s Chief Executive, described the decision as a missed opportunity. He said. ‘While the ORR has clearly considered this matter seriously, train operators and passengers will find their decision disappointing. It represents a missed opportunity to use the money to deliver some real additional improvements to passengers.   Instead, we are left with a ‘money go round’ where money raised from the taxpayer to fund Network Rail is just being ploughed straight back to the Treasury.’ Network Rail had consulted widely with the rail industry to propose a series of sensible improvements for passengers worth £14 million in place of a straight fine. 

---

Subscribe or spread the word:

• More ORR fine news articles