We suggested that we might be able to or have the right to negotiate service agreements directly with the rail companies, agreements that include aspects of mutual financial accountability when the negotiated obligations are not met. Under the current act, we can take part in these negotiations, except the adjudicator cannot impose financial penalties in the case of obligations that are not met. That is where the problem lies.
The agreements should be valid for a longer term. The negotiation process to produce the agreements is complex and I think for them to expire at the end of one year is too short a period.