i Editor's Letter: The West Coast rail franchise fiasco
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
In today's paper I commend to you in particular our always excellent travel guru, Simon Calder, on the transport implications of this Great Train Omnishambles (p4); while Steve Richards addresses the murky politics of the situation (p13).
"Omnishambles" is a (new) word I've tried to avoid in relation to the Government, for fear of being deemed party-pris. With regards to the scrapping of the West Coast rail franchise award, however, it is splendidly apposite. Neither the new Transport Secretary, Patrick McCloughlin, who only weeks ago assured us all that due process had been followed, nor the old, Justine Greening, who conducted that process, have covered themselves in glory. Nor has Tim O'Toole of FirstGroup, whose unlikely numbers really do not appear to add up – just as Sir Richard Branson said.
And that is the most unpredictable outcome of all: the public is left feeling aggrieved on behalf of both ourselves and the ultimate showman Branson, whose service may not be cheap, but – according to many who use it – is better than its rivals and predecessor.
And, disappointingly, it also shows – yet again – that it is better to be very rich, like Sir Richard, and litigious if you intend to hold the Government and the Civil Service to account for their complacency and incompetence.
The only person to emerge from the affair with any real credibility is Branson. So why re-run the whole sorry pitch process again at a cost of £40m, and instead just award Virgin the franchise for its more realistic bid? We have come a very long way from remembering what privatisation was ever supposed to be about. .
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments