Where investment is off rails

THE fact that investment in plans to integrate rail with other transport modes had not always "match-ed the government's rhetoric" was "unacceptable", a report by MPs says today.

The government had to ensure investment in rail took into account good integration with other modes of transport, the report from the House of Commons transport committee said. Recent strategy to increase the use of smart and integrated ticketing outside London was a "step in the right direction". But the government had to "make faster progress" as it was the only way to "achieve a convenient and accessible public transport system for passengers which presents a real alternative to the car".

Many parts of the rail network were "creaking" after unprecedent-ed passenger growth over 15 years.