ABSTRACT
The railways, moreover, whatever may be the position in regard to other types of transport, have to meet without subsidy of any kind all the expenses, both capital and annual, involved in providing and working their road, signalling, stations, and rolling stock. The railways were slow to realize the seriousness of road competition, and it was only in 1928 that they made a determined and successful attempt to obtain general road powers. In connexion with road transport competition and the operation of co-ordinated road-rail services, this is desirable, and it would become essential if further amalgamation were effected. The railway system still forms the backbone of the transport facilities of Great Britain, and for many kinds of traffic the rail is still supreme. In the future, however, it will be necessary to increase co-ordination among the various forms of transport so that the community may receive the best possible service at the least cost.
