BACKGROUND TO WCR 250

  Since 1992 West Coast Rail 250 has campaigned for the upgrading of the West Coast Main Line, the key rail route in Great Britain, linking London with four of the largest city regions of the United Kingdom. Through the work of the campaign, supported by almost all of the principal local authorities within the area served by the West Coast network, and of the supporting work by MPs and peers in the All-Party Group, we have brought our influence to bear on major investment decisions taken over the last 10 years. As a result we have now achieved the improvement of much of the route to carry faster and more frequent trains.

  As the current project continues towards completion over the next few years, it is essential now to commence planning for regular investment in the maintenance of the line so as to offer a service to its customers, both passengers and freight, which is appropriate to the 21st century.

TIMING OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE INQUIRY

  We recognise that franchising arrangements are of concern to the Select Committee but we feel that the timing of this inquiry is overdue bearing in mind that new franchises have been awarded over the last year and consultations are well underway in respect of the new Cross-country, East and West Midlands franchises. As a result the West Coast 250 Campaign is only able to comment on a few broad points of principle. Our priority must be to respond to the current franchise consultations, which are of enormous importance to our members.

PROCESS FOR AWARDING FRANCHISES

  We welcome the initial preparatory work undertaken by officials in the DfT Rail Division and the contacts they have made at regional level. This process can only be really productive if DfT officials are able to be forthcoming and honest in their dealings with local authorities, PTEs and other relevant bodies. We would urge Ministers to encourage their officials to be more transparent in future consultations. West Coast 250 believes that there are real benefits to be obtained by the DfT from tapping in to local knowledge and to the considerable knowledge that goes into the formulation of LTPs.

OBJECTIVES OF PASSENGER RAIL FRANCHISING

  WCR 250 was instrumental during 1994-95 in persuading the then Government and OPRAF to use the initial West Coast franchise as a good opportunity to invite bids for upgraded services and new rolling stock. As a result the new Pendolino tilting trains, along with a comprehensive and lengthy maintenance contract, are a key factor in attracting new customers as the substantial infrastructure investment on the West Coast Main Line delivers high levels of reliability.

  WCR 250 is also campaigning to secure major new investment in the fabric of our stations along with car parking and ancillary facilities. These hardly featured in the original franchises, which is why we would urge that all new franchises must place a greater emphasis on improving stations and car parks.

  The DfT therefore should use the franchising process to clearly set out in detail what minimum service levels it feels are appropriate for routes, stations and rolling stock.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

  Given the recent increases in fuel prices we would urge the Select Committee to investigate whether passenger services, such as Cross Country which operates entirely "under the wires", should be required to operate by electric traction.

ACCOMMODATING GROWTH

  We believe that it is crucial future franchises must be able to respond to demographic and economic changes. We know that, for example, the Milton Keynes area is designated for considerable growth in population and that significant economic growth is forecast for the West Midlands and North West of England metropolitan areas. Therefore it will be essential that the railways are able to play their part in providing environmentally sustainable transport and are able in particular to meet significant future increases in demand. Future franchises must facilitate such expansion in rail travel and must not in any way be an obstacle to modal shift and new investment.

19 June 2006