Res And Charter Train Operators

EDM number 193 in 1995-96, proposed by Graham Riddick on 11/12/1995.

That this House congratulates Wisconsin Railways on its successful bid for Rail Express Systems (RES); notes that one of the Government's objectives in privatising the railways is to make access to the railways easier for new train operators and welcomes the increased interest by operators of charter trains; commends Railtrack's efforts to accommodate charter trains but deeply regrets the obstructive approach to some charter operators of RES, while a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BR Board; regrets that the Huddersfield Green Party had to cancel a number of its green expresses due to RES's excessive charges; notes that RES has overcharged one charter company, Days Out Ltd, for previous charters, has refused to provide a breakdown of invoices and is refusing to sanction any further charter trips by Days Out; believes that this is a gross abuse of RES's monopoly position as the only company with a licence to sanction steam-hauled trips; and urges the Rail Regulator to initiate an immediate formal investigation into the activities of RES, and Wisconsin Railways to put an end to this unacceptable behaviour by its newly-acquired subsidiary.

This motion has been signed by a total of 1 MPs.