Independent regulation of bus and rail must be defended

The independence of the regulators of both the bus and rail industries has again been cast into the spotlight. Both are at risk and the industry must be vigilant if it is to avoid its regulators being brought under the control of political masters.

Independent economic regulation in the rail industry could have been scrapped years ago if rail regulator Tom Winsor had not been so forthright in its defence. It has emerged that Winsor managed to force then transport secretary Alistair Darling...