Budget generates positive response
The Budget announcements drew a largely positive response, with KPMG’s UK Head of Transport Ed Thomas saying that the investment in HS2 and the Tyne and Wear Metro would “go some way to redress the balance” following cancellation of electrification schemes in July this year.
However, Thomas also said the announcement that work will continue on Crossrail 2 “will be seen as a neutral statement rather than an explicit green light for the scheme to progress to the next stage”.
AECOM Director and Head of Government & Public John Hicks said of the investment in Northern England: “It was also notable that the Northern Powerhouse was back on the agenda, having seemed slightly overlooked in previous government announcements, and it was good to hear the Government’s commitment to connect HS2 to other existing networks.”
Alstom UK & Ireland Managing Director Nick Crossfield said: “Building on the good framework put in place for passengers by Transport for the North, the Chancellor is right to prioritise further investment for rail in the North. Improving the connections between the HS2 line and cities not directly on the route is vital if we are to ensure that it brings benefits to everyone.”
Rail Delivery Group Chief Executive Paul Plummer said: “It is good news that the Government has chosen to build on the forthcoming trial of the 26-30 Railcard by Greater Anglia, on behalf of the wider industry. A key commitment in our long-term plan is to enable more people to travel by train.”
The 26-30 railcard also drew a positive response from Transport Focus Chief Executive Anthony Smith, who said: “The 26-30 railcard is welcome news for passengers and will help take some of the sting out of the fares rise in the New Year. Less than half of passengers are satisfied with the value for money of their journey, and even fewer young people are satisfied.”
Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald was more critical, accusing the Government of “tinkering around the edges of a broken system”. McDonald pointed out that the policy does not include regulated fares, and reiterated his calls for the railway to be taken into public ownership.
And Campaign for Better Transport Chief Executive Stephen Joseph made a similar point, saying: “The ‘millennial railcard’ for 26-30s is, of course, welcome, but it’s no substitute for a general freeze on rail fares this year or real rail fares reform such as season tickets for part-time workers.”