Transform’s rail spokesperson Paul Tetlaw has commented on today’s publication by the UK Department for Transport of the ‘Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail’:
“We note the publication of the Williams Review and welcome statements about the intended reform of ticketing and restoration of lost rail links.
“For Scotland, control over ScotRail and the desire for further devolution of Network Rail powers is not confirmed and we note that Scottish Ministers are still to be consulted.
“It would have been preferable to carry out such consultation in advance of publication and there has certainly been sufficient time to do so given the much delayed publication of the Review.
“It is our view that the Scottish Ministers should be given the full powers necessary to operate, invest in and grow the railway in Scotland so that rail can play a key role in passenger and freight movements in the years ahead.”
