Council chiefs call for more talk on rail transport

Rail minister Norman Baker has written to every train operator urging them to publish train by train information, in a simple traffic light system, which lets passengers know which services are busiest.

But Councillor Andy Botham, Derbyshire County Council’s deputy cabinet member for jobs, economy and transport, said the Government needs to do more.

“The fact is, many passengers have no choice about when they travel because they’re travelling to and from work during the morning and evening rush hour,” he said.

“The Coalition Government needs to talk to train operators about increasing their capacity by making sure more carriages are available at busy times.”

The county council supports Derbyshire’s three local community rail partnerships, including the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership, which helps increase passenger numbers through marketing, improved services and better station facilities.