The People's Rail Charter

Fed up with the performance of the Rail Network. I certainly am. Living in Devon, but working the length and breadth of the UK I see first-hand the problems it faces. So I particularly welcome the new initiative of the Co-operative Party, the People's Rail.

Launched earlier today, they propose a simple solution, which would be welcomed by the train operating companies, the staff, and more importantly, the long-suffering passengers.

Network Rail was created as a public interest company, and provides a vital public service. Who would be a better boss of the rail network than its passengers and the British public themselves?

For Network Rail to become truly accountable, we must all be given the right to become individual members. As a genuine mutual venture, it would be structured so that we all have a voice. It would allow us to democratically elect a Members’ Council, which would have powers over the appointment and pay of Network Rail’s board.

Co-operative and mutual structures deliver organisations that act in our interests. If we are to get the rail network the British public want and need, Network Rail needs to be run in a way that guarantees us real power – not just a pretence.

Network Rail has to change.

That is why the Co-operative Party are launching the People’s Rail campaign, to give real control to passengers and the public.