The Government may be looking ahead to another winter of mild disruption, lengthening waiting lists, and protracted negotiations. Nonetheless, the prognosis is not half as gloomy as this time last year.
He plans to bring in a Fat Controller – as he seeks to balance the public interest with private sector freedom. This is the second piece in our rail mini-series.
The Transport Secretary’s announcement this week about price indices sounded timid and technocratic.
Yet again a strike which was supposedly about safety has gone away now that a large amount of money has been secured.
The transport sector is yet to shake off the bad habit of mass industrial action. Tougher rules may be needed.
If those striking drivers and guards don’t want to sign new contracts, that is their decision, and if they don’t, they must be shown the door.
Setting a minimum level for service across key public services is not only reasonable and proportionate, but safe. And it is the first duty of any government to keep citizens safe from harm.