True stories from the Great Railway Disaster
No 70: so you want information?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Berkshire County Council recently commissioned a rail study of the Reading area in order to look at ways of getting people out of their cars and on to trains. The researchers wanted information about local rail use and investment plans from railway companies.
However, when the researchers approached the two train operating companies providing the bulk of services in the area, Thames and Great Western, they were told that the figures on patronage were "commercially confidential" and had to be kept private.
Similarly, when Railtrack was asked about its local investment plans, the researchers were told that the information was "commercially sensitive" and could not be given to them during the privatisation process.
Stuart White, a Berkshire county councillor, said that the study was intended to identify potential sites for new stations or the need for investment in improvements: "The study was made more difficult by the uncertainty over privatisation and the lack of information because of it. Funnily enough, after the study was published, someone from Railtrack rang up and said how useful it was."
The Independent on Sunday's Great British Rail Disaster by Christian Wolmar, which includes 60 items from this column, is to be published in late May by Ian Allan at pounds 5.99. Independent on Sunday readers can obtain advance copies of the book for pounds 4.99 by sending a cheque or postal order, or a Visa/Access authorisation, to the Great British Railway Disaster, Ian Allan Ltd, Coombelands House, Coombelands Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 1HY.
Cheques will not be cashed until the books are despatched just after publication. Offer closes on 31 May.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments