...still going backwards.
The problem is a bit more nuanced than that comment implies though, isn't it? As
Andrew Haines outlined at the Golden Whistles, the investments over the last few years have, with one or two exceptions, made huge improvements to rail infrastructure. The fact that the structure and management of the railway industry has allowed the focus to shift away from improving the passenger experience does not mean that this investment has been wasted, though there is a real danger that those who are opposed to public spending might try to make that argument. Haines suggest the industry should get on with resolving the issues which have allowed Operations to be neglected, and not wait for Williams.
Meanwhile there is a real possibility that the obvious flaws that have led to this situation might be addressed by Williams; Nigel Harris' editorial and extra comment piece in
Rail 871 suggest that a number of key decision-makers are coming to the conclusion that something very like the erstwhile
SRA» is needed... Harris also adds his voice to those who are saying that Grayling 'gets' railways, and says:
...prey that Chris Grayling stays in place as Secretary of State... [he] believes his own department's grip is too tight .
