Peer review: Anthony Smith
Chief Executive, Transport Focus
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After the pre-election uncertainty, the departmental deckchairs have changed little in transport. We have the same Secretary of State and two ministers who were previously at the Department for Transport. With the same party in power, the broad policy direction is likely to continue. But what will it bring for rail passengers? And what challenges will they face? |
Perhaps the most significant challenge is public spending providing a big policy backdrop. The five-year capital investment spending plan for rail provides stability and certainty for investments, enabling better planning. The Conservatives promoted rail and road spending in specific geographic areas during the election campaign - promises it would be difficult to reverse. While there are considerable pressures on spending, DfT’s budget is not protected. But will the Government see the five-year investment strategies for rail and road as sacrosanct? And will there be pressure on the manifesto commitment to freeze rail fares?
A second challenge is power shifts in different parts of Britain. The Chancellor’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’ project has gained impetus, with new ministers placed to drive it from within different departments. Legislation is already in Parliament to devolve the powers and budgets to combined authorities with elected mayors. The Chancellor has made no secret of the barriers he faced from many quarters from within and without government, but a key principle must be to plan changes with the passenger’s view and interest at their heart.
Scotland and Wales are devolving further. The Scotland Bill shifts power to Scotland, implementing the all-party Smith Commission proposals. Somewhat ironically, this Bill allows a public sector operator to bid for a rail franchise. Another Scottish National Party manifesto commitment is to develop HS2 across the border and within Scotland. Its electoral gains will elevate this priority.
A third challenge is dealing with immediate passenger issues. Investment in rail is vital, bringing longer-term improvements, but London Bridge illustrates how things can go wrong if the passenger perspective is not considered at the start and communication with passengers is poor. Passengers do need to feel that someone is ‘in charge’ and that a plan is in place to reassure them when things go so badly wrong. It is good to see that rail minister Claire Perry is focused on solving this one. Related to London Bridge is the need to compensate passengers for the difficulties they experienced. High in Perry’s in-tray should be the welcome manifesto proposal to improve compensation arrangements.
Another ‘in-tray’ issue is the renewal of the West Coast franchise. It may send shivers down the spine of some who recall events in 2012, but rail franchising has been undergoing an evolution to become more passenger-centric. Passengers should have an improved experience as a result, and we need to continue further on that path.
Despite these major challenges between now and the next election, let’s not forget the prize for passengers. By the time we get to 2020, Crossrail will be operating and HS2 should be on its way. Research we have just published into what passengers want from HS2 shows the prize. Their aspiration is for world-class stations, trains and services that are a national asset. They want a railway they can feel proud of. The Government has to play its part in delivering precisely that.
