Partnership should include all involved in transportation
I doubt many tears will be shed by the travelling public at the departure of Arriva. It looks tired and worn at the end of its rail franchise.
The question now is will the new people at Keolis and Amey, really “transform” rail journeys as your lead headlines proclaims (24 May)?
Significant improvements are certainly needed, but haven’t we heard this all before with promises failing to materialise and at its worse the franchise given back and the taxpayer picking up the pieces?
Improvements in our rail service require a focus on the people and communities it needs to serve and a reinvestment of profits to that end.
Much could be achieved by rail companies moving into the 21st century rather reflecting by-gone days of “master and servant”. This is a labour intensive industry yet where are the frontline staff being part of the management? And for that matter rail users should have a meaningful voice too.
The Green Party believes we need new relationships between workers and employers in which the prosperity of a company is seen as something that benefits all parties - in this instance this partnership should also include the public and the businesses of our area that need good quality transport links.
It should also be noted that the West Midlands is a world leader in manufacturing and used to be a centre for public transport manufacturing, and with the right procurement decisions, as we move to a low carbon economy it can become so again.
John Lloyd, Honorary Life President, South Shropshire Green Party
