There is still much work to be done to provide a better deal for West Midlands rail passengers, local transport bosses have warned.
Regional transport body Centro-PTA has pledged to fight the prospect of more over-crowded trains and higher fares as pressure on the network continues to grow. The comments come as rail minister Tom Harris today unveiled the contract details for companies bidding to replace Central Trains and Virgin Cross Country from November next year.
"Although there are many positive headlines in the Government announcement and the new rail franchises create real opportunities for improvement, there are still some details that give us real concern," says Centro-PTA chairman Cllr Gary Clarke.
The public transport promotion body, which represents passenger and local business interests, is welcoming the fact that overall service levels are to be maintained and that the Government is asking the train companies to plan for growth. Comments on the future of smartcard ticketing and a requirement to support the redevelopment of New Street Station also receive a warm welcome - while there is a luke warm response to the strong hint from the Government that local council tax payers will have to fund the continuation of passenger services between Walsall and Wolverhampton.
"There are several areas of the franchise specification where funding is distinctly unclear," comments Cllr Clarke. "For example, there is a strong suggestion that extra passengers will mainly be accommodated by squeezing more commuters onto the same size trains - unless local councils provide extra funding. In other words, overcrowding will stay the same if we pay, or get worse if we don't."
In a related move, the Government is saying that travelcards and passes used by regional commuters need no longer be valid on Cross Country services.
"That approach is contrary to Government policy to promote multi-modal public transport, especially in light of the current debate around climate change," says Cllr Clarke. "Banning local travellers from some services will only increase the pressure on other trains and could create real confusion on the already over-crowded platforms at New Street for example."
Centro-PTA has been lobbying the Government to retain a voice for local councillors in the franchise process. They are currently a co-signatory to the Central Trains contract, but are set to lose this automatic right from next year.
Local MPs, passenger and business groups have added their weight to the campaign. Although today's announcement makes no mention of a decision, Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander has indicated he is still considering the Centro-PTA case.
Link: Written statement by Tom Harris, Transport Minister
