2000-08-10 SSRA secures £600 million new investment for Chiltern and Midland Main Line Franchises (sSRA Shadow Strategic Rail Authority)

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date 18 Jun 2001 00:00
source Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions
type Press release

Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, told the rail industry today that they face a tough job to improve the rail network and rebuild public confidence in the railways.

The Secretary of State, was speaking at a top level rail forum after receiving a report from the industry on progress since Hatfield.

Stephen Byers said:

''The railways have experienced big problems since Hatfield. Passengers have suffered unacceptable levels of service.

''We've now got the framework in place - with the Transport Act and the funding set out in our Ten Year Plan - to improve the quality of the rail network. So I am not going to embark on big structural changes. What the industry needs now is a period of stability and certainty so it can concentrate on the vital job of delivering safe, reliable services for passengers and freight.

''Transport is at the top of the Government's agenda and we are determined to deliver a better transport system''.

Notes to Editors

1. The Government's 10 Year Plan for Transport will deliver £60 billion of public and private money to modernise and expand the rail network. Over the next decade, we will boost capacity and passenger levels by 50 per cent, and freight by even more. Over 3,200 new rail vehicles have already been ordered at a value of £3.5bn.

2. The Government is advancing some £1.5bn to Railtrack with strict conditions attached to ensure it delivers.

Media enquiries 020 7944 3041; Out of hours: 020 7944 5925 or 5945 Public Enquiries Unit 020 7944 3000 E-mail: press@dtlr.gov.uk Web site http://www.dtlr.gov.uk/

Railhub Archive ::: 2001-06-18 DTR-001