John Barrett MP - Time for railways to put passengers over profits

7.47.37pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 7th Jul 2009

Writing in today's Edinburgh Evening News, Edinburgh Liberal Democrat MP, John Barrett argues that the decision by the UK Government to nationalise the East Coast Main Line provides an opportunity to really put passengers first.

John Barrett's article (Evening News, 7th July 2009)

"AS anyone who runs a company knows, you have to save the pennies in the good years to see you through the difficult times. There are few areas of business where you can pocket profits only to walk away when the going gets tough. After a tumultuous week on the railways, this is exactly what National Express have been allowed to do with the famous East Coast Main Line.

"Anyone who has stared out the window as the train snakes its way from Newcastle through Berwick to Edinburgh cannot help but marvel at the beauty of the line. It is one of the most celebrated pieces of railway in the world and has carried some of the most famous steam locomotives including the Flying Scotsman. Last week's panicked announcement that the route would be re-nationalised showed how this once proud line has been treated as a cash-cow by government and business.

"National Express, who run the East Coast line, made £194 million profit in 2008 and yet while in charge they increased some ticket prices by 11 per cent and introduced a £2.50 reservation fee just to secure a seat. When passenger numbers took a dip, the company decided that the good years were over and handed back the loss-making East Coast Line.

"What is clear now is that the Government must take much of the blame for accepting what was an overly optimistic bid. National Express paid £1.4bn to win the franchise and needed a 10 per cent yearly increase in passenger numbers on an already crowded line to make a profit. Ministers should have known better.

"A new publicly run East Coast Main Line Company will now operate the line for the next year as debate rages over whether we should re-nationalise the railways. Speaking to constituents of mine who travel by rail, it is clear that this argument misses the point. What the public wants is not a company who will make the highest bid, but someone who will put passengers over profit and deliver a quick, efficient and well-priced service."

John Barrett is the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Edinburgh West