Title: REGULATOR WANTS BRITAIN'S RAILWAYS TO BE THE 'ENVY OF EUROPE'
Abstract: This article reports an interview with Rail Regulator John Swift, who considers that it will be a disaster if rail privatisation does not substantially benefit rail users. He wishes the UK's rail network to compare favourably with other European railways by the year 2004. He views his position as increasingly European, especially as he will be able to act as International Rail Regulator after the opening of the Channel Tunnel later in 1994. He envisages that, in 2004, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, and the proposed CrossRail link between Paddington and Liverpool Street main line stations in London, will be integral parts of the UK's rail network. Swift's principal role as Regulator covers licencing and access agreements, both critical for the future functioning of the railways. The four types of licences are: (1) Railtrack's Network Licence; (2) Passenger Train Operating Licences; (3) Station Licences; (4) Light Maintenance Depot Licences. The Regulator must also promote competition between rail operators, especially by ensuring open access arrangements. He makes all rail service providers aware of his duty to promote the carriage of passengers and goods by rail. He considers it vitally important to develop the rail network, and believes that investment leads to increased rail traffic.
Publication Year: 1994
Publication Date: 1994-04-01
Language: en
Type: article
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