Date: 08/05/2012

A Commons motion signed by more than 100 MPs has criticised government plans for the railways - warning of declining services, higher fares and job cuts. The Rail Command Paper, published in March this year, sets out the government's vision for the railways. The Early Day Motion, tabled by Labour MP John McDonnell with cross-party support, urged the government to run the railway as a 'public service'. The government said its plan was to reduce the cost of running the railway. The plan 'will worsen passenger services through the loss of thousands of frontline workers from trains, stations, ticket offices, safety-critical infrastructure and operational roles', the MPs warned. It would also 'result in higher fares', cut services and 'more crowded trains'.

External links

MPs attack government's rail plan

BBC News

A Commons motion signed by more than 100 MPs criticises government plans for railways, warning of declining services, higher fares and job cuts.

Train travel will worsen under government plans, MPs warn

Guardian

Network Rail breakup and funding curbs 'will result in higher fares, cuts in services and more crowded trains', says motion