The future of ATOC/National Rail

[alwaystouchout]

Isn't it about time ATOC was put on a statutory basis to provide some sort of leadership in the rail industry? It could be combined with the existing RDG and the former BRB Residuary functions.

It could be charged with promoting the rail network (like how British Rail used to have TV adverts) in addition to the Railcard scheme, providing a common identity for the rail network, common ticketing scheme and effectively being the legal successor to BR. It would basically provide us with a national rail company akin to SNCF or DB, albeit one that doesn't provide services.

 

[DJL]

I hardly think rail in London needs promoting!

Not sure about other parts of the country though

 

[Katada]

Having one identity is something that's needed. The fragmented railway feels overwhelming, and I'm sure is still extremely confusing for passengers.

One brand, one colour scheme, one uniform, one design. It should be run like London Buses, the livery and publications are done in the London Transport brand (TfL) and private operators have their names discreetly placed on the routes they run, First Arriva Stagecoach etc.

 

[WatcherZero]

I thought they were putting the RDG on a statutory basis and transferring some of the staff and functions of ATOC to it? (Such that RDG would handle the technical/operational co-operative side while ATOC would handle the public service/ticketing side and continue to be their 'union' so to speak) BRB residuary functions, mainly maintaining former rail structures as the commercial operations have been transferred to london Continental are now at a subgroup of Highways at the Dft which frankly is what they do anyway.

 

[swt_passenger]

Isn't it about time ATOC was put on a statutory basis to provide some sort of leadership in the rail industry? It could be combined with the existing RDG and the former BRB Residuary functions.

It could be charged with promoting the rail network (like how British Rail used to have TV adverts) in addition to the Railcard scheme, providing a common identity for the rail network, common ticketing scheme and effectively being the legal successor to BR. It would basically provide us with a national rail company akin to SNCF or DB, albeit one that doesn't provide services.

The RDG is practically brand new. It was only put in place recently 'to provide some sort of leadership in the rail industry', instead of ATOC who only represent the TOCs. RDG was formalised less than a year ago, it is only in the last few weeks that they have started taking over the 'whole industry PR' and have become known to the media.

The 'common ticketing scheme' already exists, it is known as the Rail Settlement Plan, and is part of ATOC already.

In the light of that your suggestion seems odd to say the least. Have you decided based on only a few months that RDG doesn't work?

 

[edwin_m]

I thought they were putting the RDG on a statutory basis and transferring some of the staff and functions of ATOC to it? (Such that RDG would handle the technical/operational co-operative side while ATOC would handle the public service/ticketing side and continue to be their 'union' so to speak) BRB residuary functions, mainly maintaining former rail structures as the commercial operations have been transferred to london Continental are now at a subgroup of Highways at the Dft which frankly is what they do anyway.

Yes.

http://www.railtechnologymagazine.c...ions-to-rail-delivery-group-in-partial-merger