Franchises 'will cripple tourism'
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.A 30 per cent increase in rail fares and a fragmented service after privatisation would cripple the pounds 25bn tourist industry, according to a pressure group led by unions and backed by passenger groups.
In a report published yesterday the Better Rail Campaign forecast that tourist travel would be cut by more than a third because of the sell-off.
Tens of thousands of jobs would be lost as hotels suffered and takings in shops slumped, according to the campaign's study.
It predicts 'disastrous' consequences for local economies especially in Wales, the West Country, Cumbria and East Anglia all of which would be hit by the closure of unprofitable lines.
Jimmy Knapp, leader of the RMT rail union, said the campaign was echoing the anxiety of the British Tourist Authority and local tourist boards expressed in submissions to the House of Commons Select Committee on Transport. The 120 tourist centres contacted by the compilers of the report warned of a serious impact on the industry because of fewer discounts on fares and the fact that British Rail would no longer be able to publish an integrated timetable.
The effect would be made worse by the closure of some BR information services in this country and abroad.
Mr Knapp said some of the lost traffic could return in the form of road traffic but the amount was impossible to quantify.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments