LIB DEMS - 'CAPITAL NEEDS LONDON COMMUTER AUTHORITY'

11.07.57am GMT Mon 19th Jan 2004

Commenting ahead of Alistair Darling's announcement this afternoon (Monday 19th January 2004) about the reorganisation of the way Britain's rail network is run, the Liberal Democrats in London have called for the scrapping of the SRA and a London Commuter Authority to replace it to integrate all passenger services for the Capital.

Liberal Democrat Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes MP said:-

"The Strategic Rail Authority should be scrapped. It has been a disaster for Londoners.

"It is ludicrous that London's Mayor has no formal role in how commuter rail is organised. London needs a fully integrated public transport system: rail, Tube, bus and tram.

"The Capital needs a system where all Londoners can contribute to a regular yearly review of all public transport provision."

"Public transport needs to think customer - not be bossed by bureaucrats."

Lib Dem London Assembly Member and vice-chair of the Transport Policy Committee Lynne Featherstone said:-

"London's commuter network has been the Cinderella of the rail networks throughout the lifetime of the Strategic Rail Authority. London needs the management of track and train re-united, to bring all safety responsibilities under one rail regulator.

"Liberal Democrats want a London Commuter Authority powerful enough to be a major partner with any new regional director."

ENDS