This from the Office of Rail Regulation...
We support the concept of alliances and welcome their potential to add value in the rail sector, delivering benefits not only for the parties involved but also for rail users and taxpayers. We will help prospective alliance partners develop their plans and we welcome discussions - the earlier we are involved in these the better we will be able to help.
That is all, although My Learned Friends will no doubt wish to pour expensively (shurely, 'exhaustively'? Ed) over the details here.
UPDATE: This from another satisfied reader...
Not for the first time do I have to correct the illiterate content of this so-called blog.
In a blatant and ill-informed attacked on the legal profession, a fine body of men and women who are all that stands between the privatised rail industry and anarchy, you refer to them pouring - presumably a snide reference to the consumption of alcohol.
In my experience they spend long hours into the night poring over legal documents to ensure that the railway runs smoothly.
I remain your etc...
R.Slicker
It's a fair cop!
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
ORR gives regulatory thumbs up to Alliances
Man travels entire FGW network - by choice!
This from Inspector Blakey...
Would you mind giving a plug to my friend Ollie's charity fundraising tour of the FGW network?
He's aiming to cover the entire system this week whilst raising funds for Save the Children and CHICKS.
If anyone feels able to support this worthy endeavour details can be found here.
Mad but good effort.
Villiers vignettes - Rolling stock procurement
This from Cruella...
Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2011, Official Report, column 1021W, on rolling stock, how much her Department will spend on new passenger rolling stock in each year of the current spending review; and to which franchises such rolling stock will be deployed.
Theresa Villiers (Minister of State)
holding answer 1 March 2012 - The Government do not directly invest in rolling stock. This is a matter for the train leasing companies.
Splutter!!!
Eurostar causes Catwalk Catastophe
Big disruption to Eurostar services following yesterday's OHLE problems in France.
Judging by media coverage the only people affected were numerous Luvvies returning from the Paris Fashion Show (Yawn! Ed).
Prize for the top headline goes to Malta Today...
Eurostar delay angers fashionistas
From comments on Facebook and Twitter, leading models, designers and fashion label faces, talked about the distress caused by the delay.
Where is Derek Zoolander when you need him?