FSB's response to the Williams Rail Review
Responding to the publication of the Williams Rail Review white paper, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Mike Cherry, said:
“Reliable and well-maintained transport infrastructure is fundamental to the success of the small business and the self-employed community on which our economic recovery depends, especially as we eye a sustainable return to growth alongside rapidly changing needs of passengers.
“Britain’s railways needed a complete overhaul even before the COVID pandemic, but changes to current and long-term travel demand makes this long-awaited review all the more urgent. We hope it will kickstart much-needed change.
“Having a single oversight body, in the shape of Great British Railways (GBR), promises to ensure joined-up decision making, timetable planning and service delivery. As GBR will be built around tracks and infrastructure body Network Rail, it must be set up at the outset to do what’s best for passengers, rather than what is best for infrastructure. Passenger experience is key.”
“Rail travel reduces emissions and road traffic, provides the space to work on the move, and connects communities and cities across the UK.
“We would encourage Great British Railways to take advantage of its remit by ensuring adoption of up-to-date technologies across all train services, such as reliable Wi-Fi, so customers can maximise their productivity. Until now, Wi-Fi has proven been patchy across different train operator agreements, and this is a moment to change that.
"The newly announced national flexi-season ticket marks a starting point where fair pricing is concerned but there remains considerable work to be done. Under these plans, many commuters travelling two or three times a week will only be making a modest saving against their existing season tickets. The future of PAYG must go beyond the current boundaries. There is nothing in these proposals regarding long distance fares reform, which is needed for a better range of walk-up tickets, and better management and spread of demand, so that everyone gets a seat.
"We’re calling for a dynamic pricing system using the advantages of digital ticketing and technology to calibrate fares appropriately, fares which reflect continual investment in networks.
“Urgent action is therefore still needed. Having a fully-functioning, well-governed railway system is an essential pre-requisite to a small business-led economic recovery.”
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About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.
