Broad welcome for future of rail announcement

The rail industry has broadly welcomed today's announcement on the future of rail franchising.

Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies said: "This is a positive step forward, demonstrating Ministers’ commitment to long term reform of the railways.

"Longer and more flexible franchises that give train companies the opportunity to work more closely with Network Rail at a local level are a vital part of reform. These changes have the...