16 Feb 2008 - Now Chancellor warns FGW

Further to the last news item on the 'Fare Strike' and protests around the FGW area, the Chancellor, Alistair Darling has now ordered FGW to improve it's punctuality and reduce overcrowding. Also FGW has been told to reduce cancellations.

This warning has been a long time coming and is somewhat ironic given that the DfT granted the new greater western franchise to FGW considering that their record was far from good when the new franchises were handed out. There were two other companies bidding for the franchise. Did the DFt choose the best option or maybe it was more to do paying the best for the government's coffers?