Ronseal Railway Job

I have just had a chance to read the ‘command’ statement by Justine Greening MP on the railways and how her government is looking to improve the railways for Medway residents.

You can always tell when a Tory Policy is going to be full of gimmicks and hot air when they give it a ‘dubbed’ name; in this case some bright Tory CCHQ wonker called it the ‘Ronseal’ Railway plan.

The analogy and comparison with a poor quality DIY product whose slogan says 'what it does on the tin' is symbolic of the patch-job they are trying to employ; the shameful content within highlights how the Conservatives and their phalanx of Councillors will continue to put private profit over the commuter; the plan will embed and worsen the model of privatization they themselves imposed in the 1990s.

Despite all the waffle from local Tories they should be shamed to support a government which is deliberately targeting the peak-time commuter who already feels trod on by the elitist Etonian cronies, who are more used to chauffeured cars and riding horses, then giving an iota of concern for those on the lower pecking order.

It was ever thus; the Tories stamping on working families to benefit the franchises who have created the most expensive railway in Western Europe. The statement will:

• Continuing with above inflationary increases of in some case +6-12% with no introduction of flex-capping. Government have pledged to end above-inflation fare rises in 2019 which is so far in the future as to be meaningless
• The deliberate introduction of 'Super-peak' rail fares and expanding time frames for charges. Charging business commuter who has to travel more to subsidise cut in direct rail grant
• ‘Reforming rail franchises’ - involves giving longer franchises; the targets for franchise agreements are loosened so services can get worse without sanctions. People can not say rid themselves of a Connex / SouthEastern franchise for 15 years. Effectively monopolizes current TOCs as sole providers
• Strengthening the rail regulator's capacity to improve the passenger experience but no specifics on sanctions or reforming online ticketing arrangements• Providing better punctuality and real-time travel information but watering down sanctions for worsening service
• Involving rail workers in plans to get the industry on a more sustainable footing, grow jobs and develop skills; code for cutting staff and safety at stations

There are some small differences in the statement about creating one level of TOCs which can not only manage stock but also the rail stations and infrastructure themselves. In addition the creation of an Oyster system is all well and good; but like the system in London will require just as many if not more staff on the gate-line.

Justine Greening MP could have been bold and put the train user first; there are plenty of legislative options which could have been implemented had the Tories really wanted to cut fares. As it is; its more of the same old slavish devotion to the private sector; and we will all continue to pay through the teeth.

You can never trust the Tories on the railways. The mess we are in now is a direct result of the botched privatization in the 1990s.