The Government’s Command Paper on the railways calls for cost saving and improvement from the industry. Train operators will have a big part to play in this. What is their vision for achieving those twin aims, what are the challenges along the way and how can the industry rise to them? Tom Smith, Chairman of the Association of Train Operating Companies, sets out his views, taking in the following key areas where success will be measured:
• Franchising and industry collaboration
• The role of government and regulation
• Levels of service and connectivity
• Quality and the passenger experience
• Information, fares and ticketing
• Technology, innovation and engineering
• Costs to taxpayer and farepayer
• Benefits to the country as a whole
Tom Smith is ATOC's independent chairman and has been a member of the ATOC Management Board since 2006. Previous to holding this role he was Managing Director – Rail Development for Go-Ahead. His first success for the group was to secure the Southern franchise in 2003, simultaneously closing a deal to secure £125 million of external finance to upgrade all Southern’s maintenance depots. Since then he has led the group’s successful bids for Southeastern, London Midland and, most recently in June 2009, retention of the Southern franchise.
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Joint ICE and Amey Lecture - Having it both ways: getting more for less from the railways
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