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Railhub Archive 1999-09-16 SRA-001 Shadow Strategic Rail Authority0
SRA Chairman issues call to arms to train operators - new franchises to be negotiated
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         SRA Chairman issues call to arms to train operators - new franchises to be negotiated _______________________________________________________________

 related documents
type Press release
We are inviting them to approach us to negotiate longer replacements of all the franchises expiring within five years. Let us be clear: our invitation is a call to arms for the operators. Sir Alastair confirmed that the SRA's task was to, "re-orientate the franchisees to be substantial, highly motivated investment partners for Railtrack and for capital markets", and that this applied also to the freight operators. While Railtrack must raise its game, the operators "must take their responsibilities and lead the way". So new franchises would be longer, "and will modify the steep downward trend in the government funding which supplements farebox revenues", but ONLY in return for "solid commitments to invest in core developments in the franchises and to raise service levels in both quality and quantity." He noted that a "window of opportunity" was now opening as Government transport policy, vigorously led by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, sees enhancement of our railway system as an imperative. Sir Alastair also noted that next year, fiscal year 2000-2001, the aggregate government subsidy to train operators will fall below the aggregate annual subvention to British Rail just before privatisation. "The much trumpeted doubling of public subsidy for rail has evaporated ... I am sure that this Government will not wish to claim an intention to tax away the further increase in farebox revenues earned as its sole serious involvement in developing rail transport's place in our society."
Railhub Archive ::: 1999-09-16 SRA-001
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