Rail value for money study: Submission from Passenger Focus

13 September 2010

Passenger Focus is the independent consumer body representing the interests of rail passengers in Great Britain. We exist to get a better deal for passengers and to ensure that their voice is heard by all the different parts of the industry.

We understand the financial and economic arguments underpinning the study but we believe it is crucial that the study does not marginalise the ultimate customer. It is passengers who will be travelling on services and who will pay the fares – so it is right and proper that their views are taken into account when determining the priorities. Passenger Focus – with its independent, evidence based approach – is in a unique position to both capture these views and ensure that they are heard. To this end our submission begins with a broad outline of passengers’ priorities.