Pause in State takeovers
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LABOUR MPs are in gloomy mood over the prospects for next year on pledges to reorganise transport and switch more freight from the roads to the railways. The economic situation is compelling the Government to review all forms of State spending.
The Environment Department has confirmed that the railway network is one area of spending which is under review.
While suggestions that up to a third of the network could be axed are firmly denied, it is clear that many uneconomic lines may have to be cut, leaving bus operators to provide alternative passenger services and hauliers to deal with freight.
The scope for any major transport reorganisation is therefore strictly limited in the foreseeable future.
And, in the absence of any dramatic improvements in the economic situation, there is little likelihood of moves to extend public ownership of road transport undertakings for the remainder of the present Parliament.