The Green Party has condemned proposals from the Transport Minister to share control of Britain’s rail infrastructure with private firms. [1]
Caroline Russell, London Assembly Member and Green Party transport spokesperson, said:
"Privatisation is at the core of the problems facing Britain's railways. It is utterly dumbfounding and, frankly, irresponsible that Chris Grayling is proposing to hand over the safety of Britain's tracks to the train operators that are already systematically failing rail passengers and taxpayers alike.
"The move will lead to further fragmentation of the management of our railways, and, most concerning, give operators the power to make essential maintenance decisions, not based on need nor long-term safety, but on whether they can extract a profit.
"Passengers need more integrated transport options not further fragmentation. They are continually promised that privatisation will deliver better, more frequent, and more affordable rail services. The reality couldn't be further from the truth.”
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