Re: British Rail privatisation a disaster

[pcc@ocean.com.au (Les Brown)]

Ian Jelf <ian@bluebadge.demon.co.uk> wrote in aus.rail:

>The situation on medium distance London commuter services, Connex for
>example, has certainly worsened since privatisation and I would hate
>that to be followed by hillside/Bayside or whatever they've decided to
>call them this week!

If the Warrnambool and Shepparton services are any indication (and the
National Bus Co.'s services as well), I think the future looks pretty
good under privitisation.

ASR look pretty good too.

You cannot have political appointees complain aggressively lobby their
political masters for improved rail-funding - that's one of the reason
why we are in the ridiculous situation of rail traction being
classified as an "on-road" vehicle for the purposes of diesel fuel
excise collection. Whilst farmer Brown (no relation) driving his
tractor on his farm is exempt, ASR running locos on their own private
Right Of Way are not. Political power is what is needed and political
appointees have none.

The U.K. is no comparison for Australia. Look at Canada anyone?

Roll on priviatisation.

Les Brown