Response to the announcement that Northern Rail is to be brought under government control
This decision represents an opportunity to restore some stability and reliability to services in the short term but will not address the fundamental issues affecting the North’s rail network, says Cllr Judith Blake
29 January 2020
Responding to the announcement that Northern Rail is to be brought under government control, Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Lead, said:
“Northern Leaders have long called for Government to take action to restore passenger confidence, so I welcome today’s long overdue decision to remove the Northern Rail franchise from Arriva.
“This decision represents an opportunity to restore some stability and reliability to services in the short term but will not address the fundamental issues affecting the North’s rail network.
“The North will only have the modern reliable service we need and deserve with fundamental reform to the way track and trains are managed along with investment to address the capacity crisis on the network. We need the Government to urgently publish the Williams Review and commit to devolution of powers and money that create meaningful local accountability."