Northern Rail should be penalised!

Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson and Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen is calling for the Government to claim back money from the Northern Rail, the operators of the Rochdale / Oldham Loopline. Paul said, "The reduced service is completely unacceptable and I am asking the Government to investigate whether they can penalise the train operator in proportion to the services that they are failing to provide. Yet again, Rochdale commuters are faced with another miserable autumn - the Government should show that they are committed to public transport and send a clear message to rail operators that a reduction in service means a reduction in funding. It cannot be right that operators can get with a 50% reduction in services, they are breaking their commitment to the people in Rochdale."

Paul continued, "I have put this to the Department of Transport and made it clear that the service from the operators has been unacceptable for over 4 years. The Government have failed to recognise that there have been problems for a considerable amount of time, they claim that the 'level of service which Northern Rail operates between these locations (between Manchester and Rochdale / Oldham) is in line with that required by their franchise agreement'. I say that this is not the case, the Government have a duty to ensure that resident receive a decent transport service. The message that the Government is sending to Rail Operators is that they can get away with axing services left, right and centre."

Rochdale member of the GMPTE - Cllr. Peter Davison said, "I agree that action has to be taken, we need to encourage residents in Rochdale to use public transport. The best way to ensure that people get back into their cars is by reducing services and this wholly unacceptable. If rail operators were hit in the pocket they would think twice about cutting services, the cuts lead to unsatisfactory conditions for travellers and I would hope that this is carefully looked at and Northern Rail review their decision."