To further the use of public transport and reduce reliance on the car the F&V=P party will invest in the upgrading of the rail network to increase capacity and reliability

Will the Right Honourable Gentleman please explain exactly how he will achieve this?
No doubt he will tell us that he will off set the carbon emissions given off by the increase in rail freight traffic by the reduction in carbon emissions from taking heavy freight off our roads.
But I put it to him that our rail network goes nowhere, it is only a shadow of it's former self and that to return it to the Glory Days of rail travel would cost the tax payer an arm and a leg - more likely the arms and legs of the poor motorist who already pays through the nose for the RIGHT to drive his car on our less then adaquite road network. :angry:

I put it to you that you are right that the rail network is a mere shadow of its former self and money is required to correct this. However said money has already been spent and was not raised by increased taxation. Indeed the F&V=P government actually lowered taxes this term. By making the rail network a viable alternative to the car we can achieve economies of scale to reduce carbon emmisions per person. However the Honourable member does not seem to realise the vast magnitude of the disaster which lurks just beyond the horizon which requires harsh choices to avert. Also the Statue Book reveals no legislation specifically taxing the motorist.