Better Transport

There are hundreds of companies involved in creating our rail network. It’s quite a jumble! For example, the company that owns the train carriage isn’t the same one that uses it; the company that lays the track is not the same one that puts in the signalling systems.

It can be hard to know who to turn to for an improved rail service. But ultimately we need to look to the Government. The Government needs to provide the leadership, framework and support to enable all those companies to come together to improve our rail network.

It recently published a draft 30-year strategy for doing so. There are good initiatives in the strategy and the welcome promise of much-needed funding for the rail network, but still more needs to be done so that we can take the train more often and leave our cars at home.

Strong Government action needed now

• Rail needs to be cheaper and fares less complex

The Government must put a stop to the continuing increases in already high peak and walk-on fares and simplify the fares system. Walk-on fares must also be reduced, to make rail a viable alternative to driving for unplanned journeys. We revealed in July 2008 that walk-on rail fares are up to seven times more expensive than advance fares.

• It needs to be easier for us to take the train

We need more accessible stations, better ticketing systems and stations that are easier to get to by bus or bike.

We argued that the Government should promote station travel plans, to make it easier for people to get to the station without a car, and  made some suggestions (PDF) for how this could work. The Government agreed with us in its rail White Paper. Station travel plans are now going ahead in 31 pilot stations around the country, and other stations are getting travel plans as a result of initiatives by individual train companies or councils.

It's important for local authorities, train operators and developers to work together to improve stations. Some examples of train stations that have been improved.

• Overcrowding needs to be tackled

The Government needs to create a clear plan for tackling overcrowding over the short, medium and long terms, by expanding services, not pricing people off them.

• Rail operator costs need to be brought down

Since 1997, the cost of running the rail network has trebled.

• Rail needs to be better planned

There needs to be better links between planning our rail network and planning housing and retail developments, because high density development results in high rail use.

• Rail’s environmental record need to improve

The Government should require environmental strategies in franchise bids.

You’re part of the solution
While the Government needs to do a great deal, there are ways you can help to improve trains:

• If you want to improve your local train service, read our online guides.
• If you agree rail improvements are needed, take action or support us.