Byers tells the train companies to 'stop passing the buck'

Rail companies were yesterday warned to "stop passing the buck" and take responsibility for improving train services.

Stephen Byers, the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, warned that the performance of Britain's railways had been "grim" and demanded that the situation improved.

He promised a "period of stability" to allow Railtrack and the train operators to deliver better services, but urged managers to "concentrate on their day job; that is to ensure there is a safe and reliable rail system".

Speaking during Commons question time, Mr Byers rejected calls from Labour backbenchers for the Strategic Rail Authority to take a controlling stake in Railtrack, warning that would produce "paralysis" in the rail network.

Alex Salmond, the Scottish National Party's parliamentary leader, asked: "What exactly does the Secretary of State think the network has been under for the last few years?"

Clive Efford, Labour MP for Eltham, called for the directors of Railtrack to be made accountable to Parliament, and appealed for ministers to take full responsibility for the state of the rail network.

Mr Byers said: "There is a responsibility on the part of myself as Secretary of State, and all of those parties in the industry, whether it be Railtrack, the Strategic Rail Authority, the regulator or the rail operating companies.

"The time has come for all of them to stop passing the buck and instead take responsibility for delivering a world class rail service."

Earlier MPs urged Mr Byers to choose GNER over Virgin in the franchise bids to run trains on the east coast main line for the next 20 years.

John Greenway, Conservative MP for Ryedale said: "GNER is reckoned generally to have been one of the most successful companies since privatisation and what kind of message does it send for confidence in investment in the railway structure if that kind of success is rewarded by losing the franchise?"

Mr Byers said the decision was a "key lever" to improve rail services. "I do not intend to rush it and make the wrong decision but I am aware that the award of this franchise is keenly awaited by travellers up and down the country."