Re-commission Multi-Billions £’s worth of disused Railway infrastructure
“Britain, built around the railway network, is now littered with disused viaducts, cuttings, loop lines and stations, roads are clogged and the air is polluted. ”
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2. How does it fit with Compass’ core beliefs of equality, solidarity, democracy, freedom, sustainability and well being?
A re-opening of the viable lines would provide employment, offer a sustainable transport future, link towns, cities and communities, offer an alternative to freight and culd put briatain at the forefront of rail transport again
3. How does it build the institutions of social democracy, like social groups and collective and cooperative forms of ownership and control?
A mutualised or nationalised service with a mission to increase rail passenger and freight numbers year on year with subsidy rewards for success.
4. How much will it cost or raise and where will any cost come from?
not known
5. Which groups in the electorate are likely to support or oppose this measure? Is there any polling evidence you have on this?
Transport groups, green organisations, a broad consensus amongst the public
6. Is there a place or country where it’s worked? Please provide some information.
Pretty much every other major indutrialsied country
7. What are the three main arguments in favour/against it?
We can’t afford not to: billions upon billions £’s worth of transport infrastucture left to rot whilst the country chokes
Good examples can be found in both Germany and Holland.
There are numerous campaigns around the country of local communities and enthusasts getting together to start to plan how to bring back lost railway connections, lines,stations, etc.
It would be wrong to return to a monolethic BR structure, this could be a chance to explore different forms of ownership such as Community Rail Partnerships/ Rail Development Co.
As there are a large number of potential schemes, a government fund with annual bidding rounds would be a good way forward. Bids would be judged on a number levels including impact on local traffic, reducing carbon footprint, reducing community isolation, etc.
Our priority for transport should be to reverse the growth in car usage. Better bus and coach services have more to offer as they are cheaper and quicker to start, more flexible and can be run to places without railway lines. Some railway expansion will be needed - but as part of an integrated transport system.
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