Commenting on the publication by the Department for Transport today of the outcomes of the Brown Review of the Rail Franchising Programme, Geoff Inskip, Chair of pteg said:

“We welcome Richard Brown’s recognition of and support for the value that devolving responsibilities for rail services to local transport authorities brings. Wherever local rail responsibilities have been devolved we have seen a better service for passengers and greater levels of investment. By being closer to passengers and services, PTEs give local rail services the attention and funding priority that they need, driving up investment and passenger satisfaction. This is clear to see after powers were devolved on London Overground, Merseyrail Electrics and Scotrail.

We look forward to working with the Department for Transport in taking forward rail devolution and unlocking the potential for local rail to boost our local economies.”

ENDS

For more contact Jonathan Bray on 0113 251 7445 / 0781 804 1485