First-class idea

The Government wants to appear to be getting on top of everyday problems, to prove that it is not distracted by a small majority or Cabinet in-fighting – and so Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, tells this newspaper that he wants to reduce the congestion on trains. His proposal is to use future franchise awards to cut the number of first-class compartments, the bane of second-class passengers, who have to stand while more expensive seats remain empty.

Mr Grayling is himself a commuter, so he must know he has struck upon an idea that could prove very popular. Of course, those who choose to pay extra for guaranteed comfort might not be so happy. Presumably, fewer first-class seats means the price for each one will go up. Will a cooked breakfast on the Scotland to London sleeper become the preserve of the super-rich? Moreover, while it is obviously good to have a more energetic, proactive approach towards transport, there remain large, systemic problems that need to be addressed, such as the demand for more rolling stock, the cost of tickets and the condition of track and signals.

Then there are the ongoing union difficulties. It is encouraging that the Rail, Maritime and Transport union and Aslef have suspended strikes planned for August to allow for fresh talks with Mr Grayling. But how much longer can commuters in southern England endure reduced and cancelled services? The strikes have been flagrantly political, causing tremendous misery to commuters and embarrassing the Government. As the train system is updated, so its vulnerability to dinosaur trade unionists needs to be ended.