COMMENT: Don't keep rail users in the dark over key project (From The Oxford Times)

COMMENT: Don't keep rail users in the dark over key project

9:00am Friday 22nd February 2013 in News

RAIL commuters are understandably frustrated they are not being kept in the loop about the Oxford to Bicester upgrade.

According to campaigners for the Oxford-Bicester Rail Action Group, the line between the two towns could be closed for up to two years for the multi-million pound revamp to take place.

Work was due to start within weeks, so it is not surprising that passengers want proper guidance about when, and for how long, the Oxford-Bicester services will be suspended.

But it appears that rail bosses at Chiltern Railways, working with Network Rail, are refusing to give out any information until a last-ditch legal challenge has been dealt with.

That challenge has come from Sean Feeney, a seasoned environmental campaigner, who is no stranger to holding authorities to account in this way.

We recognise the democratic right of citizens like Mr Feeney to challenge such large-scale plans.

But we hope his case will be dealt with as soon as possible as it appears to be holding up work on a vital transport link.

Passengers are used to delays when there are leaves on the line, but the involvement of lawyers should not be a signal to call a halt to this crucial project.