06.06.13
Franchises should involve passenger input – Passenger Focus
Passengers should have more say in which train operators win contracts to run franchises, Passenger Focus has urged.
A new report, Giving passengers a voice in rail services, sets out how passengers could vote on the running of services purchased on their behalf. It recommends the Government issues a clear statement about what is being bought, and holding the operator to account for delivery.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Passenger Focus, said: “Passengers sometimes say that they don’t care who runs the train, as long as it turns up on time and they can get a seat. But we now have an opportunity to make sure the passenger is at the heart of franchising.
“We went out and asked passengers how they wanted to be involved – and it is clear that they need to have more information and more of a say in the decisions. Why not take it one step further – give them a vote when a franchise extension is being considered?”
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