On the BBC’s Breakfast show today a comment was made when interviewing a representative from the “We Own It” campaign group and a Rail Delivery Group spokesman.
The interview at Birmingham New Street Station was reviewing a proposal by the RDG to end the current rail franchising arrangements.
The idea is patently going to be considered under the Government review. But during the interviews, this comment was made in closing the piece:
“We know British Rail did not work”
A clearly absurd statement – quite apart from being factually incorrect.
Whilst British Rail had many problems, it is plainly the UK privatisation model that has failed. The proposal from the RDG about “localising” control and regulation of commuter and suburban services is just regurgitating the PTE formats set up during BR days.
Half baked schemes – like open access services – are just that, half baked. These latest suggestions just seem to add complexity to an already complex and badly managed arrangement.
Disappointing from the BBC – what next, repeat the myth about curly sandwiches on trains and in refreshment rooms?!!
Railway Matters 