A better, faster and more affordable rail network that puts passengers first (Oxford West and Abingdon Liberal Democrats)

Oxford West and Abingdon Liberal Democrats <info@oxwablibdems.org.uk>

A better, faster and more affordable rail network that puts passengers first

March 28, 2009 12:33 PM
Originally published by Wantage and Didcot Liberal Democrats

For years rail passengers have been getting a raw deal with inflation-busting fare rises and growing overcrowding on the network. Labour plans to further push the costs of the railway onto passengers, forcing them off trains and into cars. The Conservatives plan on slashing budgets for local railways by one third. But Liberal Democrats believe that passengers deserve an affordable and reliable rail service.

Said Lib Dem Councillor for central Oxford Alan Armitage: "Only the Liberal Democrats would put the passenger first with plans for a rail renaissance, reopening closed railway lines and new stations and building a High Speed Network to cut journey times to Scotland and the north of England. Our Future Transport Fund would provide ring-fenced funding for the improvements that future generations need if we are to cut our carbon emissions. Our plans shift freight from road to rail, cut carbon, and improve mobility as the rail network begins to run out of capacity."

"The roads of Britain, particularly in the South of England, are congested and traffic levels and pollution continues to grow. Taking the green option is often too expensive. Both Labour and the Conservatives continue to push ahead with widening motorways rather than investing in sustainable public transport. Neither party has learnt that you cannot build your way out of congestion.

"Only the Liberal Democrats have a fully-costed plan to invest in sustainable public transport. If freight can be taken off the roads and people can be convinced to swap plane journeys for high-speed rail, then we can really start to make a difference to our environment. Rail is the key to cleaning up Britain's transport, not an added extra as ministers seem to think. In 2015 and beyond the rail network will be reaching full capacity. Without substantial new investment, we will not have the 21st century rail network that our children and grandchildren need.

"Labour has destroyed their environmental credibility by giving the go-ahead to Heathrow expansion and the Conservatives have been shown to be hypocritical by continuing to support airport expansion in the South East of England.

"Liberal Democrats believe that the aviation industry shouldn't get special treatment and must cut emissions just like the rest of the country. Air pollution is already terrible around Heathrow airport and expansion will only make matters worse. We will reverse Labour plans to expand Heathrow Airport and oppose Boris Johnson's proposals for a new airport in the Thames Estuary. Unlike the Conservatives we oppose all airport expansion serving London and the South East and so would block expansion at Stansted and Gatwick as well."