Lobby group steps up support for private sector rail
The lobbying group Rail Partners has made a new bid to get the private sector more involved in operating passenger railways. Although the Government appears to be sympathetic, the Labour Party has said it would move towards a ‘publicly-owned railway’ in England if it gains power at the next General Election. Rail Partners is now calling for more open access operators to be permitted, such as Grand Central, Hull Trains and Lumo. The Office of Rail and Road has already approved an application by Grand Union Trains to operate five trains a day between London, Cardiff and Carmarthen.
ORR adds Peterborough stop for Grand CentralGrand Central trains will soon be calling at Peterborough for the first time. The open access operator has been given approval for its trains to call at Peterborough twice a day from Monday to Saturday by the Office of Rail and Road. The ORR said it supports open access services where these provide competition without ‘unduly’ affecting performance. It also considers what the effect will be on Government funds.
Office of Rail and Road to supervise Rail OmbudsmanThe Office of Rail and Road has begun sponsoring the Rail Ombudsman, in line with a commitment in the 2021 Plan for Rail. The ORR will now hold the Ombudsman to account for independent and impartial provision of its service. The Ombudsman is the last of port of call for unhappy passengers who have not reached an agreement with the relevant operator or the applicable passenger watchdog.
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