Competition Commission Backs Lib Dem Plans for Rail Franchises

12.35.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 15th Apr 2009

Liberal Democrats in York have backed proposals that will make it more likely that train companies will invest in badly needed improvements.

Madeleine Kirk, Prospective Lib Dem MP for York Outer, called for the rail improvement in York and the surrounding villages after business regulator, the Competition Commission, said the Government should allow train companies to have longer periods of time to run services.

"Currently, train companies are given franchises averaging seven years to run services," said Madeleine. "This is too short and means companies will not make long term investment decisions. This needs to change by increasing the length of time a company can operate, subject to the company reaching performance targets.

"Liberal Democrats in Parliament have been calling for this for some time and I hope that the Labour Government can be persuaded to follow our call."

"Encouraging train companies to make long term investments in services is important in ensuring that plans such as the reopening of Haxby station continue to happen across York. I have long been campaigning for local services, and anything that makes their success more likely is definitely to be welcomed."