Date: 14/10/2016

MPs have attacked the government's handling of rail franchises, saying passengers have been let down badly. A Transport Select Committee report cited the 'woeful' experience of Southern passengers, who have faced months of industrial action and staff shortages. Ministers were urged to 'get a grip' on monitoring rail franchise agreements. The Department for Transport (DfT) said improving Southern services was a priority for the government. The RMT union, which is locked in a bitter dispute with the rail operator over the future role of conductors, said the report was an indictment of the failure of rail privatisation. It was published as Southern timetables returned to normal after a three-day strike by union members.

External links

Get a grip on rail woes, ministers told

BBC News

The government's handling of rail franchises is attacked in a report by MPs that cites Southern passengers' woes as a three-day staff strike ends.