Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group and transport spokesperson, commenting on the awarding of £53 million in fines to Network Rail due to its poor punctuality record, said:
"These fines will be considered by most train passengers as long overdue. Hopefully they will force Network Rail to ensure real improvements take place in the punctuality of rail services.
"And in addition to these fines I hope that within just a few months Network Rail is finally fully covered by the Freedom of Information Act. It is vital to ensure that this publicly funded organisation is far more accountable to passengers, taxpayers and the public.
"But there is also a further issue about delivering far more reliable train services that must not be overlooked.
"The franchise model of London Overground trains has been a huge success in terms of providing a highly reliable passenger service. We need to build on its success. The awarding of train franchises must be increasingly devolved, both to London and around the UK.
"Improving the record of Network Rail and making it more accountable, combined with devolving more train franchises based on the London Overground model, is a recipe for improved train services for millions of passengers."