Commenting on the ‘root and branch’ review of the railway network launched by government today, Jonathan Cage, President of Norfolk Chamber and Chair of their Transport & Infrastructure Group, said:
“After years of disruption and uncertainty, this review comes not before time. Given the role that the railways play in the daily lives of employees and businesses across Norfolk and many parts of the UK, the review must deliver tangible, visible improvements to the system for both businesses and commuters.
“The Norfolk business community is clear that the private sector has played, and must continue to play, a key role in running and improving the UK’s rail network. Yet the partnership between the private and public sector on the railways needs to change to alleviate the inexcusable delays and disruption faced by commuters and businesses under the current franchise system.
“Our region has been lucky enough to secure significant funding for rolling stock as part of the new franchise. However it is imperative that this level of funding is more than matched by central government with respect to the upgrade of the network itself. It is also essential that Network Rail is funded and managed correctly, if we are ever going to experience a quality rail service we can be proud of in this region.
“Travel delays increase business costs, jeopardise business opportunities and make Norfolk firms appear less accessible and therefore less competitive. This review must tackle all the aspects of rail travel currently worrying businesses, including service reliability, pricing, ticket flexibility, innovation, investment, freight and value for money.
“The review should also look at what more needs to be done to increase connectivity on trains – so that commuters and businesses alike can make productive use of journey time.
“We need to develop a rail system where all parts of the network are working together and communicating better to improve confidence for users and investors. For Norfolk to be a thriving and modern economy, we must start with getting the basics right.”
