Southern Western Railways service first to transfer into public ownership

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “For too long, the British public have had to put up with rail services which simply don’t work. “Starting with journeys on South Western Railway, we’re switching tracks by bringing services back under public control to create a reliable rail network that puts customers first. “The privateers have taken hundreds of millions of pounds from our railways and successive Conservative governments have pursued a policy of managed decline which has sold taxpayers, passengers, and staff short.” Rail, Maritime and Transport union General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is a significant step forward for passengers, rail workers, and those who want to see an efficient rail system run for the public good, rather than private profit. We are concerned that the Government's plans are simply an ideological undertaking that does not put passengers first Gareth Bacon, shadow transport secretary “Bringing infrastructure and passenger services under one employer in public ownership, means proper investment in operations, harmonising conditions for staff, and prioritising the needs of passengers.” Gareth Bacon, the Conservative shadow transport secretary, said: “Labour have voted against our plan to strengthen the rights of passengers and commuters.