ATOC responds to McNulty report on value for money

In response to the publication of the McNulty report, Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, said:

“We welcome the report and support its key findings.  Rail travel is more popular now than it has been for decades, but its future success depends on change across the whole sector to drive down costs and deliver better value for money to passengers and taxpayers.

“We look forward to a new relationship between the public and private sectors, where Government focuses more on setting overall policy and allows train operators and Network Rail to show greater leadership in providing better services to passengers at an affordable cost.

“The report rightly recognises the importance of incentivising closer working of track and trains, franchise reform and devolved decision-making on infrastructure.

“We welcome a review of fares policy. Our fares system remains largely unchanged since privatisation and no longer properly reflects how people travel today – we need to develop an approach fit for the 21^st century.

“We agree with Sir Roy that we can build on the successes of today to create one of the most efficient rail systems in the world and look forward to working with all key players in the industry to realise this vision.”