Network Rail on Tuesday set out plans to save £5 billion on maintenance work over the next five years by carrying out less work on rural and freight-only lines.

A spokeswoman for the DfT told ePolitix.com: "Given recent cost increases its vital that the industry as a whole considers all options in terms of costs and that is what network rail is doing."

Tim Collins, shadow transport secretary, said: "Once again the travelling public is losing out under Labour and once again rail passengers are paying the price for the complete collapse of cost control at Network Rail.

"A fair deal on transport must start by getting Network Rail's finances into shape. Britain' s long suffering commuters, passengers and taxpayers deserve better."

Forum Response: Association of Train Operating Companies

A spokesman for ATOC told ePolitix.com: "ATOC said we are going to have to be sure these new plans will deliver the safe reliable railway we need, but it seems like a very positive response by Network Rail to get costs under control."