Pictured above: Martin Chambers
Longer franchise deals are one of the key changes needed if the
West Midlands rail network is to be brought up to scratch, Business
Voice WM (BVWM) has confirmed.
But the lobby group's rail spokesman Martin Chambers, of the
Chartered Institute of Building, urged the Government to retain a
major role for Network Rail. The BVWM submission, in response to a
nationwide consultation, insisted that franchise changes should not
be at the expense of excessive cuts to NR's budget.
Mr Chambers noted: "While the West Midlands business community
was once very critical of the performance of Network Rail, it has
substantially improved. Delays caused by signal failures, for
instance, have declined significantly.
"We positively support the Government's proposal for longer
duration rail franchises. However, there are major infrastructure
arrangements that would remain uncompetitive for a rail operating
company to undertake and where the use of public funds is
inevitable alongside longer franchise arrangements to ensure the UK
finally has a world class rail network suitable to meet the needs
of a world class economy.
"Equally, Network Rail plays a pivotal role in the
establishment of the timetables for the entire UK rail network. The
importance of this role should not be underestimated and therefore
should be protected.
"Business wants a reliable rail network to aid
competitiveness."
BVWM says whatever blueprint the Government comes out with
should address stations like Birmingham International that
perennially miss out on major investment, and all because the
relationship between its franchise operator and Network Rail just
don't work.
The submission states: "Any proposal to extend the life of a
franchise should be used as the catalyst for considering a change
in the ownership model for stations.
"As a minimum the future model should be predicated on a basis
that favours improvements and perhaps therefore changes Network
Rail's position to one of being required to assist and facilitate
the development process.
"Birmingham International is an important gateway to the UK for
international passengers from the nearby airport and it is critical
that the station is substantially improved so as to more properly
reflect its strategic importance. Therefore, the terms and
conditions of new franchise arrangements should both include a
mechanism that encourages the upgrade of this station but at the
same time protects the long term interests of the railway."
The same principle, said Mr Chambers, could also be applied to
commuter stations in the Black Country and across the Midlands so
that the quality of service for the customer was improved.
In its submission BVWM also made clear the need for each new
franchise to be contractually bound to deliver any improvements
that were promised during the bidding process.
Mr Chambers added: "What we need is a new breed of franchise
where the public positively see the franchise holder delivering to
at least their original promises." In return BVWM recognised that
the franchise holder would need to be assured that it will be
rewarded for enhancing the asset value of the railway.