Well at last the UK intercity holders of monopoly rail franchises are in favour of competition!

What has brought about this sudden volte-face?

• Maybe the realisation that they cannot extract enough cash from the over prescribed monopoly franchise timetables and conditions
• Maybe comprehension that short term franchises are not sustaiable
• Maybe the demand for pension deficit funding
• Maybe even the realisation that they could actually offer better services to passengers

The apparent comment from the Rail Delivery Group that they should run operations is yet another sign.

Competition on intercity routes is highly desirable and long overdue.  BUT needs to be regulated in the public interest – not by those hoping to extract money from UK rail.

An open and honest regime of access charges is fundamental.  Not some lump sum payment for a group of train paths, certainly not additional payments being a percentage of profits.

More on the possibilities in the next article.