SHOULD they be re-nationalised, is the structure of the railways to blame, or should the Department for Transport be tougher on failing franchise holders?

The future of the railways has been a hot topic for politicians over the last 12 months, particularly following the Northern timetable changes.

So much was the extent of the problems, that the government tasked the rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), with investigating the May timetable disruption.

An interim report was released by the regulator, which blamed Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway, Northern, the Department for Transport and the ORR, for the problems.

The report stated: “The present industry arrangements do not support clarity of decision making: it was unclear who was responsible for what. Nobody took charge.”

The government promises the rail review will be “the most significant since privatisation”.

It is led by Keith Williams, deputy chairman of John Lewis, with its findings to be published next year. Reforms based on the findings of the White Paper are expected to be implemented from 2020.

Craig Johnston, who is the Rail, Maritime and Transport)union’s regional relief organiser, said: “I have been a rail worker since I was 18 and I have never seen the industry in such a mess.

“In private conversations with senior railway managers, they say what a mess as well.

“From driver-only operated trains, to timetable failure, it is a disaster every which way you look.

“The only thing they get on time is the fare rises.”

Mr Johnston has his views on the way forward for Britain’s railways.

“The reality is the government has ruled out the only thing that will save our railways and that is nationalisation, which if you look at the polls most members of the public support.

“We should break up the railways and put them back together again under public ownership.

“We are paying more than we ever were under nationalisation, by two/three times.”

South Lakes MP, Tim Farron, has a different view.

“The clear problem is a lack of leadership and a lack of long-term investment.

“The government hasn’t invested enough long-term into the railways; the cancellation of the Lakes Line shows a lack of long-term ambition; prices have gone up dramatically; a lack of forward investment; and the fact you have a secretary of state who didn’t have the power – or wouldn’t use the power – to get a grip on the railways.”

The Liberal Democrat MP has drafted a bill, which he believes could help solve the problem.

Mr Farron said: “The government has shown a lack of understanding for our economy, and we are picking up the pieces.

“This is why I am putting forward this bill, so the government doesn’t have a choice but to help us.

“The bill gives more power to the secretary of state for transport, to take away the franchise from a failing provider.”

The bill will be presented to parliament next month.

A DFT spokesman said: “As a result of this disruption, we took immediate action to improve services and passenger information, and to establish industry-funded compensation schemes.

“We also set up the independent Glaister Review to understand the causes and ensure those responsible are held to account, and we look forward to its final report at the end of the year.”