Longer rail franchises needed to roll back Beeching (South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats <info@secambslibdems.org.uk>

Longer rail franchises needed to roll back Beeching

November 10, 2008 6:58 PM

Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats today published a list of railway lines and stations to be reopened in a reversal of the Beeching rail cuts in return for longer franchises for train operating companies. The Liberal Democrats have proposed major reform of the current short rail franchise system to grant 30 year franchises with five year service quality checks.

In return, train companies would be required to deliver major improvements to their network including re-opening railway lines closed under Beeching.

The following are our proposals for Cambridgeshire:

Hitchin - Cambridge line power supply upgrade (starting with Hitchin 'Flyover')

Four Tracks between Huntingdon and Fletton

Re-opening of the Cambridge - Bedford - Milton Keynes - Oxford line

Extra Platform at Cambridge

Doubling of line Ely and Ely North

Re-opening of the March to Wisbech line (this would be a separate locally funded programme)

Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker, who visited Cambridgeshire to discuss these proposals with Lib Dem Councillors in the spring said:

"If we are to escape cattle truck Britain our railways need investment. This Government is content to continue to pour money into road expansion schemes but is cutting back on the railways. By replacing current short franchises the Government would be in a position to demand that, in return, train companies deliver the new railway lines, stations and improvements that are so urgently needed. Passengers are paying more and more every year for rail travel but are rewarded with overcrowded carriages and delays. The Government has an opportunity to change this."

Gavin Booth, spokesperson for Fenland Liberal Democrats, added, "Any moves which give us the chance of re-opening the March to Wisbech line are welcome. With more and more houses being built in Fenland, proper public transport infrastructure must be put in place."