Simon Wright: Liberal Democrat policy strengthens rail reform
Originally published by UK Liberal Democrats
"These proposals deliver on Liberal Democrat priorities by putting the passenger at the heart of the system and allowing investment in the long term future of the railways.
"For too long the railways relied on ever increasing public subsidy, yet under Labour, train fares rocketed by an astonishing 66% in cash terms.
"The Coalition Government's proposals set out how we can drive down ticket costs by improving efficiency across the network, and work towards the Lib Dem policy of ending above inflation hikes to train fares.
"Liberal Democrats have long championed many of the proposals in this paper including expanding rail electrification, devolution of control over railways, increasing the role of Passenger Focus, and more freight transported by rail."