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Richard Branson may want to check his own record before attacking nationalised railway's

Let he who is without subpar punctuality records cast the first stone.

By Alex Hern Published 03 October 2012 15:08
Richard Branson. Photograph: Getty Images
Richard Branson. Photograph: Getty Images

Richard Branson, on the World at One this morning, was laying into the government's handling of the West Coast Mainline franchise, while also using it as an opportunity to attack the idea of renationalisation more generally:

If they [the government] can't run a bid process, they're going to find it even harder to run a railway.

According to Network Rail, in the 366 days to 15 September 2012, 87.5 per cent of trains on the state-run East Coast franchise arrived on time.

Over the same period, 86 per cent of trains on the Richard Branson-run Virgin Trains franchise arrived on time.

So, a smaller percentage of trains arrive on time on Branson's network than on the state's. If Branson thinks the government can't run railways, what on earth is he doing still owning one?

 
 

4 comments

Davidaslindsay's picture

Wed, 2012-10-03 20:56 — Davidaslindsay (not verified)

There is only one destination here. Renationalisation.

Come on, Ed. Say it.

jankaas's picture

Thu, 2012-10-04 21:49 — jankaas (not verified)

well stone the crows. i totally agree with you David.

Barrie J's picture

Wed, 2012-10-03 19:00 — Barrie J (not verified)

Branson is no different to the scores of greedy, selfish capitalist sociopaths who were gifted our nationalised industries and have got fat on taxpayer's subsidies.

Dark Heart of Toryland's picture

Wed, 2012-10-03 16:40 — Dark Heart of Toryland (not verified)

To anyone who has actually had the misfortune to travel on one of Mr Branson's trains, his asinine comments will have rung distinctly hollow - especially if they are above the height of, say, 4'9"...

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