Rail passengers still suffering delays under Labour

9.09.20pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 13th Apr 2005

Delays have got worse under Labour - Sollitt

Despite Network Rail's announcement that it has beaten its punctuality target for the first time, figures released by the Liberal Democrats reveal that passengers have effectively lost a total of over

12,000 years on delayed trains since Labour came to office. This has cost the nation's economy over £31 billion.

Steve Sollitt, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Test said "Although the better punctuality times announced recently are welcome news for passengers, they will have plenty of time to reflect on the fact that delays are still worse than when Labour came to power. Passengers have lost over 12,000 years of their lives waiting for trains since 1997. Every major network in the country has declined under Labour."

"The Liberal Democrats would look to streamline the rail system with fewer larger franchises given longer contracts in return for investment investment and better services"

"We would also use savings from the road budget prioritise prioritise safety at stations and restore key upgrades or postponed or cancelled under Labour"